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Sleep problems and depression among single parents in Ghana: the mediating role of anxiety symptoms
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Sleep problems and depression among single parents in Ghana: the mediating role of anxiety symptoms

Obed Jones Owusu-Sarpong, Kabila Abass, Daniel Buor, Solomon Osei-Tutu, Bismark Yeboah Boasu, Silas Baffour Awuah, Emmanuel Boadu, Solomon Akurugu, Amos Nti, Shadrack Owusu, …
Current psychology, Vol.44, pp.18175-18184
12/2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-08439-x
Appears in  Recent National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine Publications

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Abstract

sleep problems depression anxiety symptoms single parents Ghana
Sleep problems and depression are prevalent and co-exist in vulnerable populations. While studies estimating their association among single parents are scarce, the mechanisms explaining the association remains largely unknown. We examine how anxiety symptoms mediates the association of sleep problems with depression among single parents in Ghana. Cross-sectional data from 627 single parents recruited using a multi-stage stratified sampling were analyzed. Sleep problems were defined using nocturnal and daytime sleep architecture over the past seven days while depression was assessed with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Multivariable OLS models and bootstrapping mediation analyses were performed. The control variables included age, sex, residential type, education, personal income, and alcohol intake, and physical activity, while anxiety symptoms were considered potential mediator. The mean age (SD) was 45.0 (14.7) years, and 67.3% were females. After adjustment, sleep problems (B = 0.840, 95% CI = 0.470 - 1.210) and anxiety symptoms (B = 0.576, 95% CI = 0.507-0.646) were independently associated with higher depression levels. The association of sleep with depression was significantly mediated by anxiety symptoms (indirect effect B = 0.7804, 95% bootCI = 0.5145 to 1.0560), yielding 48% of the total effect (B = 1.6239, 95% bootCI = 1.1943 to 2.0534). Anxiety symptoms explain the positive association between sleep problems and depression among single parents in Ghana. This study underscores the need for integrated and culturally informed mental health interventions that address the sleep and mental health issues facing Ghanaian single parents.

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