Sleep and Hypnosis: A Journal of Clinical Neuroscience and Psychopathology
Ahmed M. Abdel-Khalek, Ph.D.
Study Objective: To estimate the prevalence rates of self-reported nightmares among
Kuwaiti children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years, and to examine the age and
gender differences.
Methods: A sample of 6,727 school students was recruited. A self-rating scale item
was used to assess nightmares’ frequency. It was answered on a 5-point intensity
scale, anchored by 0: No and 4: Very much. This scale had acceptable temporal
stability. Point prevalence rate was computed as the summation of the percentages of
responses in the two options: “Much” and Very much” during the most recent month.
Results: The prevalence rates among males ranged between 6.1% (age 18) and
17.6% (age 13). The ages 13, 12, and 11 had, respectively, the highest rates. From the
age 10 to 13 years, the prevalence rates were increasing steadily, but from the age 14
to 18 years, the prevalence rates were decreasing consistently. As for females, the
prevalence rates ranged from 9.5% (age 11) to 17.9% (age 18). The younger groups
(10-14 yrs) had a lower prevalence than the older ones (15-18 yrs). Gender differences
in the mean scores on the self-reported nightmares were significant in the ages 15 to
18, in which females had significantly higher mean scores than their male counterparts.
Conclusions: In a non-Western large Kuwaiti sample, self-reported nightmares are
common. There is a need for comprehensive programs of guidance, counseling, or
intervention. (Sleep and Hypnosis 2006;8(1):33-40)
Keywords: Nightmares, epidemiology, prevalence, children, adolescents, Kuwait.