0375 Culturally Consistent Diet Among Individuals of Mexican Descent at the Us-Mexico Border is Associated with Sleep Duration and Quality

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Previous studies have shown that people who consume culturally consistent foods have improved cardiometabolic profiles. Few studies have examined whether this finding extends to sleep health. Methods Data were collected from N=100 adults (age 18-60, 53% female) of Mexican descent in the city of Nogales, AZ (66% not born in the US, 33% 1st-generation). Surveys were presented in English or Spanish. Acculturation was assessed with the Acculturation Scale for Mexican-Americans (ARSMA-II), which has separate scales for Mexican and Anglo acculturation (subscale range 0-4). A supplemental ARSMA item asks how often “My family cooks Mexican foods.” Responses were coded as either frequent or infrequent. Insomnia was assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Sleepiness with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Sleep duration and sleep medication use with PSQI items. Regression analyses examined these outcomes relative to whether individuals frequently consumed Mexican foods. Covariates included age, sex, and acculturation scores. Parental education level was also included, as an indicator of childhood socioeconomic status and since food culture likely involves parents. Results Regular consumption of Mexican foods was associated with 1.41 more hours of sleep, on average (95%CI 0.19,2.62, p<0.05). It was also associated with a decreased likelihood of snoring (oOR=0.25; 95%CI 0.07,0.93; p<0.05). No differences were seen for PSQI, ISI, or ESS score. Conclusion Individuals of Mexican descent at the US-Mexico border who regularly consume culturally consistent food report overall more sleep and less snoring. Previous studies show that Mexican acculturation may be associated with improved sleep sufficiency; it is possible that this reflects an overall healthier lifestyle that also includes a culturally consistent diet. Further studies would be beneficial to help determine the role acculturation plays in sleep and diet and how it effects cardiometabolic risk. Support Dr. Grandner is supported by R01MD011600. This work was supported by a UAHS grant.