0108 Sleep Health of Adolescents in the Department of Juvenile Justice: A Qualitative Analysis of Night Staff Interviews

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Limited research exists regarding the sleep environment and sleep health of youth in juvenile justice facilities. We examined the perspectives of facility night staff on the sleep-living environment and conditions of detained youth using semi-structured interviews. Methods In collaboration with Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) we conducted virtual semi-structured interviews (45 minutes) with superintendents, medical staff, and night staff at all state facilities. We present the data reported by night staff (n=10) here, each representing a different facility. Interview questions focused on facility structure, protocols, and youth healthcare. Inductive qualitative analyses examined high frequency themes with the aim of understanding the sleep environment, sleep patterns, and overall youth wellbeing. After transcription of each interview, coder 1 examined each transcript to identify high frequency themes; coder 2 reviewed these first codes. Few disagreements occurred; in those cases, a third coder helped reach consensus. Theme frequency is expressed as a percentage of the total number of transcriptions (e.g., 4 interviews out of 10=40%). Results Major themes reported by night staff include environmental disruptions, ability to personalize sleep areas, youth well-being, and sleep challenges. Environmental disruptions included moderate noise levels (40%); youth temperature complaints (50%); and youth lighting complaints (60%). More specifically, 50% reported youth reported night lighting complaints (including blue light) within the dorms. While 40% described room personalization is allowed, 40% stated it is also limited. For instance, while youth are allowed to display family pictures, they are not allowed to display any gang-related material as it could cause altercations between youth. Complaints of trouble sleeping is addressed in 50% of facilities by utilizing a weeklong sleeping log (e.g., staff report number of times youth are awake during the night during their safety checks). Seventy percent of staff reported that work affects their sleep and psychological wellbeing and 60% shared that they sleep 3 - 6 hours/night. Conclusion Assessment and modifications of the sleep-living environment in juvenile justice facilities are needed. Ongoing countermeasures in the Maryland system include noise buffering panels, light modifications, and sleep-health staff trainings. Support (if any) Kolvenbach grant, Loyola University Maryland and Maryland Department of Juvenile Services’ supportive collaboration.