0247 Developing and Implementing Sleep Health Education for Foster Care Personnel: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sleep during childhood has a major impact on physiological, psychological, and cognitive development, yet sleep health is a neglected part of training/education for foster parents and agency staff. This study examined foster care agency staff perceptions of child sleep problems encountered by foster caregivers in order to inform the development of a sleep health training program for foster care agency staff and caregivers. Methods N=36 staff members from public and private foster care agencies in Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland were interviewed remotely. Questions included knowledge of sleep policies, concerns surrounding sleep, methods for addressing sleep concerns, and sleep training recommendations. Two members of the research team coded the interviews using the Atlas.ti program. Coders first independently reviewed and coded transcriptions for thematic key words without formal concepts before reviewing and refining themes/codes with the full research team for consensus. Results Eight interviews were coded for this preliminary analysis, focused on response to the question, “What kinds of questions/concerns/requests have you received from foster caregivers regarding children’s sleep?” Across the 8 transcripts, the code Fear/trauma associated with bed/sleeping (n = 22 occurrences) and Difficulty Sleeping (initiating, maintaining sleep) (n = 18 occurrences) were the most frequently reported concerns. Other codes included: Behavioral issues affecting issues fall asleep (n=11), Placement adjustment impacting sleep (n = 10); Lack of bedtime routine (n = 9); Concerns surrounding medication (n = 7); and Insufficient sleep impacting daytime functioning (n = 5). Conclusion Preliminary findings suggest that sleep training approaches and programs should focus on addressing fear and trauma associated with bedtime and sleeping, as well as establishing a healthy, consistent bedtime routine. Additionally, difficulties with the use of medications, placement adjustment, and behavioral issues manifesting around bedtime should be addressed. Support (if any) This research was funded by the AASMF grant: 266-CS-22.