112 - Sleep Health Disparities in African American Preschool-Aged Children: A Qualitative Look at Routines, Beliefs, Barriers, Facilitators, and the Recent Impact of COVID

Poster Number: 112
Publication Number: 112.212

Rochelle Cason-Wilkerson, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States; Darcy A. Thompson, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States; Jill L. Kaar, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States

Background: Evidence of poor sleep health, including short duration, is well documented in preschool-age children. Literature while limited, regarding minority children have shown racial/ethnic disparities in sleep deficiency. Studies state AA children have the largest sleep deficiency comparative to other racial/ethnic groups. A better understanding of sleep related factors can help inform culturally appropriate programs to decrease sleep deficiency in AA children.

Objective: To explore and document cultural and environmental factors related to sleep health among AA families with preschool aged children to inform the development of culturally adapted interventions to improve sleep health

Design/Methods: Informed by the Integrated Health Behavior model we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with AA mothers recruited using a purposive sampling approach. Interviews focused on sleep-related beliefs, attitudes, parenting practices, as well as perceived barriers, and facilitators to better understand cultural and environmental influences on sleep health. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content. Two study members independently coded each transcript: w/continuous member check-in, and use of consensus coding. Data were analyzed in an iterative process involving established content methods and reflexive team analysis.

Results: A total of 18 interviews were completed (Table 1). Participants were AA mothers (mean age 33 yrs.), with the majority reporting being married, having a college education, and working. Children ranged from 3-5 yrs. with a mean age of 4 yrs. Five themes emerged from the data(Table 2): (1) importance of adequate sleep and sleep routine; (2) barriers that impacted sleep, which included change in bedtime routine, environmental factors, and family dynamics;(3) facilitators related to maintaining a consistent sleep routine, having appropriate amounts of physical activity, and limiting screen use;(4) community and family influenced parents’ development of sleep routines; (5) sleep changes occurred due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and national racial protests. Overall, parents reported highly valuing sleep for their children. The major barriers included ensuring quality sleep and maintaining a sleep routine.Conclusion(s): To improve sleep health among AA preschool-aged children, tailored interventions need to be sensitive to environmental and cultural factors that impact this specific community. Further, interventions should consider educating beyond the family unit including extended family members and others that may impact the child’s sleep routine
Table 2: Themes and Quotes
Table1: Participant Demographic Information