0745 Disparities in Attitudes, Familiarity, and Utilization of Infant Behavioral Sleep Intervention in a Sample of Diverse Mothers. (12th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Honaker, Sarah M; Mindell, Jodi A; Schwichtenberg, A J
• Is Part Of: Sleep. Volume 42(2019)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A299
• Page End: A299
• Publication Date: 2019-04-12
• Subjects: Sleep -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sleep disorders -- Periodicals; Sommeil -- Aspect physiologique -- Périodiques; Sommeil, Troubles du -- Périodiques; Sleep disorders; Sleep -- Physiological aspects; Sleep -- physiological aspects; Sleep Wake Disorders; Psychophysiology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.8498
• DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz067.743
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-8105

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Infant behavioral sleep intervention (BSI) approaches are highly efficacious in improving infant sleep and family functioning. However, little is known about knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of infant BSI by parents outside a research or clinical setting, particularly in diverse families. The aim of this study was to describe current BSI knowledge, attitudes, and utilization in a sample of mothers from diverse racial/ethnic and educational backgrounds. Methods: A sample of 388 mothers from the US and Canada with an infant or toddler (6-18 months) completed an online survey. Participants were 33.4% black, 34.2% white, and 32.3% Latina. 52.3% of the sample had completed some college or more, with educational attainment balanced between the three racial/ethnic groups. Mothers were participants on a panel for an external marketing company, Survey Sampling, Inc. Participants responded to items about BSI intervention experience, familiarity, and barriers; sleep knowledge; cognitions about infant sleep; and their child's sleep patterns. Logistic regression was conducted to examine the role of race/ethnicity and educational attainment on BSI outcomes. Results: 37.1% of mothers reported having utilized BSI with their infant or toddler, and 38% were not familiar with BSI. Mothers with higher educational attainment were more likely to have tried BSI (OR=1.93), to have completed BSI (OR=2.61), and to have read about BSI (OR=2.29). In terms of racial/ethnic differences, compared to white mothers, black mothers were more likely to report stopping BSI early (OR=5.49), and more likely to endorse cognitions supporting the need for direct parental intervention to reduce infant distress after a night awakening (OR=1.43). Additional main effects for racial/ethnic group and educational attainment were found for barriers to BSI, but not for sleep knowledge. No interaction effects were significant. Conclusion: Disparities exist in familiarity, attitudes, and utilization of BSI, with differences found for educational attainment and for race/ethnicity. Strategies are needed to increase awareness of and support for BSI as a treatment option for a variety of families. Support (If Any): This research was supported by Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN.