BIPoC perspectives of behavioral sleep treatment: a mixed-methods examination of ways to better address sleep health disparities
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that there are sleep health disparities in the United States that disadvantage Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPoC), and other socioeconomically marginalized groups in medical and mental health settings. It is paramount that we focus research in areas that help reduce those disparities. We conducted 12 semi-structured qualitative focus groups with 35 individuals who identified as members of BIPoC groups about their awareness, perception, access to, and recommendations for behavioral sleep treatment in healthcare settings. Transcripts were coded using the Rapid and Rigorous Qualitative Data Analysis method for themes relevant to the guiding question, "What are BIPoC experiences and perspectives of sleep, and specific areas of improvement to increase BIPoC groups" utilization of behavioral sleep services?". Behavioral sleep treatment was perceived as a favorable option both over and in conjunction with pharmacological options. Respondents particularly valued collaborative care with their primary care providers and expressed the need for increased education and awareness of efficacious behavioral health options introduced through primary care relationships. After a brief period of education about cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi), respondents unanimously viewed the treatment favorably, and unanimously agreed it would be beneficial to include ways to address SES-Based and Race-Based stressors into CBTi, especially when working with members of BIPoC groups. These findings can help to inform future work in reducing sleep health disparities both at the community, provider, and the broader healthcare system levels.
Degree
Ph. D.