A community-engaged qualitative study of factors affecting sleep among Hispanic/Latinos with short sleep duration

Background

Despite having high prevalence of short sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and sleep disorders in adult Hispanics living in the US, there is limited understanding of the underlying barriers to sleep and effective interventions in these groups. This study aimed to increase understanding of sleep duration and attitudes toward sleep interventions among Hispanic adults.

Methods

We conducted 5 online focus group discussions with male and female participants aged 18-65 recruited from the Hispanic community who reported sleeping <7 hours per night. Interviewers utilized a semistructured interview guide to assess attitudes and beliefs about sleep and sleep interventions. Focus groups were conducted in Spanish, recorded, transcribed, and coded to elicit common themes.

Results

Focus groups included 31 participants (19 = women) from 12 Hispanic nationalities. Coders identified three main topics: (1) Sleep perceptions, (2) External and internal factors that affect sleep, and (3) Feedback about sleep interventions. Participants discussed the importance of sleep and factors related to stress, family, environment, and acculturation. Sleep interventions were viewed as desirable, and the group discussed a variety of topics of interest. The use of consumer sleep technology was considered a favorable intervention despite few participants having experience with consumer sleep-tracking devices.

Conclusion

Results demonstrated that participants were aware of the importance of sleep and sleep duration recommendations. The discussion identified unique issues affecting sleep health in Hispanics as well as enthusiasm for sleep interventions, including interventions using consumer sleep trackers.