Prevalência, preditores e tratamento da insónia em cuidados paliativos
: revisão sistemática da literatura

Translated title of the thesis: Prevalence, predictors and treatment of insomnia in palliative care: systematic review of literature
  • Isa Gomes Matos Viegas Nzwalo (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

Introduction: The primary function of palliative care is to improve quality of life.The recognition and treatment of symptoms that cause suffering is central to the achievement of this goal. Insomnia can cause discomfort and increase suffering of patients and families in palliative care. Knowledge about prevalence,associated factors and treatment of insomnia in palliative care is scarce.Methodology: literature review aimed at systematizing knowledge about the prevalence, predictors, and treatment options of insomnia in palliative care patients. Primary sources of investigation were identified and selected through Pubmed and Scopus databases. The research was complemented by referencesearch in identified articles and selected reviews. OpenGrey and Google Scholarwere used for searching grey literature. Study quality analysis was based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.Results: 65 studies were included in the review. Most studies had acceptable /good quality. The prevalence of insomnia in the included studies ranged from 2.1 to 100%, with a median overall prevalence of 49.5%. Sociodemographic factors such as age; clinical characteristics such as functional status, disease stage, pain and use of specific drugs, including opioids; psychological factors such as anxiety/ depression, and spiritual factors such as feelings of well-being were identified as predictors. The treatment options identified were biological (pharmacological and non-pharmacological), psychological (visualization, relaxation) and spiritual(prayer).Conclusions: the systematic review showed that the prevalence of insomnia is high, with at least one in three patients affected in most studies. Insomnia’s risk factors and treatment in palliative care, are both associated to physical,psychological, social and spiritual factors, reflecting its true holistic nature.
Date of Award22 May 2020
Original languagePortuguese
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorHipolito Nzwalo (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Palliative care
  • Insomnia
  • Sleep
  • Cancer
  • Advanced disease
  • End-of-life
  • Terminal life
  • Hospice

Designation

  • Mestrado em Cuidados Paliativos

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