Risk Factors for Sleep Problems Prior to Radiochemotherapy for Malignant Gliomas.

Background/aim: Many patients with malignant gliomas are scheduled for radiochemotherapy, which may cause emotional distress associated with sleep problems. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of such sleep problems in these patients and identify risk factors.

Patients And Methods: Fifty-seven patients scheduled for radiochemotherapy for grade II-IV gliomas were retrospectively investigated for pre-treatment sleep problems. Fifteen characteristics were evaluated including temporal relation to COVID-19 pandemic, age, gender, performance status, comorbidity, (family) history of malignancies, distress score, emotional problems, physical problems, practical problems, involved sites, glioma grade, upfront surgery, and corticosteroids.

Results: Nineteen patients stated pre-treatment sleep problems (prevalence=66.7%). Significant associations with sleep problems were found for female gender (p=0.023), presence of emotional problems (p=0.006), and ≥4 physical problems (p<0.001). A trend was found for distress scores ≥5 (p=0.077).

Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep problems was high. Risk factors were determined that can be used to identify patients who likely benefit from psychological support.