Relationship of sleep quality and level of posttraumatic stress disorder among soldiers during anti-flood mission

Objective To investigate the sleep quality and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in soldiers during the mission of flood fighting and explore the relationship between sleep quality and PTSD level. Methods A total of 1 593 soldiers during the mission in July 2020 were participated in the survey. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were used for assessment for level of PTSD and sleep quality. Results ① The total score of PSQI was 4.18±2.89, the detection rate of sleep disorder was 2.75% (cut-off=10); The total score of PCL-5 was 7.62±9.89, and the prevalence rate of PTSD was 3.71% (cut-off=33); ② The influencing factors of sleep quality: the scores of daytime dysfunctions were significantly higher in the females than the males (F=8.01, P < 0.05). The scores of sleep disturbance in soldiers over 25 years old were significantly higher than those younger (F=11.72, P < 0.01), but the scores of daytime dysfunctions were significantly lower than those younger (F=8.01, P < 0.01). ③ The influencing factors of PTSD: The females had significantly higher level of PTSD and higher scores of its 4 sub-dimensions when compared with the males (Fs≤15.77, Ps < 0.01). The level of PTSD and the sub-dimension scores of negative cognitive and emotional changes were significantly higher in the soldiers with bachelor degree than those with educational level of high middle school or below (F≥3.36, Ps < 0.05). ④ The levels of sleep quality and PTSD were positively correlated (r=0.44, P < 0.01), which were consistent with the results of multiple linear regression analysis (β=0.11, t=4.64, P < 0.01). The sleep quality could explain 19% of the total variation of PTSD in soldiers during the mission (ΔR2=0.19). In addition, the regression model also showed that gender had a significant influence on PTSD level (β=0.44, t=19.35, P < 0.01). Conclusion Sleep quality is sound and PTSD symptoms are mild among the soldiers during anti-flood mission. The females have higher levels of daytime dysfunctions and PTSD than the males. Sleep quality is positively correlated with PTSD level, suggesting that improving sleep quality is an important measure to prevent the development of PTSD.