Association between levels of satisfaction with interpersonal relationships and insomnia symptoms among women working in aged-care services in Japan

TL;DR

This study explores how satisfaction with interpersonal relationships affects insomnia symptoms in Japanese women working in aged-care services.

Contribution

The study identifies a novel association between low interpersonal relationship satisfaction and increased insomnia symptoms in this specific workforce.

Findings

Low levels of satisfaction with interpersonal relationships were significantly associated with insomnia symptoms.

High work-to-family conflict worsened the relationship between low interpersonal satisfaction and insomnia.

Medium and low satisfaction levels had increased odds of insomnia compared to high satisfaction.

Abstract

The demand for aged-care services in Japan has surged due to the country’s aging population. Furthermore, nationwide survey on the current state of aged-care services revealed that the primary reason for the resignation of women working in these sectors was poor interpersonal relationships. Moreover, given that women working in aged-care services work in shifts around the clock to manage the health and safety of the people in their care, they are at high risk of health-related issues including insomnia symptoms. Thus, we aim to examine the association between levels of satisfaction with interpersonal relationships (LSIR) and insomnia symptoms for women working in aged-care services in Japan, as well as the effect of work–life imbalance on the association between LSIR and insomnia symptoms.

In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 472 women aged 18–60 years who worked in aged-care services in Japan in 2014–2016. Insomnia symptoms were measured using the Athens Insomnia Scale, and scores of 6 or greater indicated the presence of insomnia. LSIR were assessed through self-administered questionnaires and evaluated at three levels. The association between LSIR and insomnia symptoms was evaluated using a multinominal logistic regression model. Path analysis was used to examine the potential effects of LSIR on insomnia symptoms by incorporating covariates such as work–family conflict, marital status, and depressive symptoms.

Compared to high LSIR, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of insomnia symptoms were respectively 1.36 (0.81–2.30) and 2.42 (1.11–5.23) for medium and low LSIR. The path analysis showed that low LSIR were significantly associated with having high work-to-family (W-to-F) conflict and being single.

Low LSIR were significantly associated with insomnia symptoms among women working in aged-care services in Japan. High W-to-F conflict exacerbated this relationship. Therefore, enhancing interpersonal relationships may be necessary for preventing insomnia. However, due to the cross-sectional nature of our study, causality cannot be inferred. Further longitudinal research is needed to better understand these associations.

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