Sleep Habits among Children from Mozambique and Cape Verde

Background: Sleep quality affects daytime functioning, behaviour, emotional regulation, weight, metabolic risk and the risk of accidental fall. The aim of this study was to describe the sleep habits of two pediatric populations from Africa.

Methods: The data come from 2 cross-sectional surveys in surveillance appointments in Cape Verde (CV), and 1 school of Maputo, Mozambique (MZ). The CV sample consisted of 206 children (mean age 6.5 years) and the MZ sample consisted of 454 children (mean age 8 years). We used the Portuguese version of Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) to assess children’s sleep patterns and sleep problems as reported by parents. The distribution of scores was compared using Mann-Whitney’s U-Test or Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: Both samples scored higher in CSHQ scores comparing to other reports in literature; CV children woke up one hour later and had a longer sleep duration than same age MZ children; falling asleep in other’s bed and nap were frequent and more prevalent in CV sample; different CHSQ score was obtained in MZ sample differing by the mother’s nationality; watching television was associated with higher CSHQ score.

Conclusion: Higher CSHQ scores might reflect differences in sleep behaviour, child care practice and cognitions and attitudes towards normal sleep and not necessarily more disturbed sleep. Future research should address the significance of cultural practices by measuring effects in cognition, behaviour, emotions and metabolic factors, in order to adapt sleep recommendations to individual populations.