177 The Relationship between Language Preference and Sleep Aid Utilization among Spanish and English-speaking Latinx Adults

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Studies have found positive associations between acculturation and self-reported sleep disturbances among Latinx adults, however whether acculturation-related factors influence treatment preferences for sleep disturbances remain underexplored. This study examines the relationship between language preference, an indicator of acculturation, and various types of sleep aid use among Latinx adults. Methods Using cross-sectional screener survey data from the LAtino Sleep and Health Study (N=739) of Latinx adults living in NYC, we conducted logistic regression analyses to examine the relationship between language preference and 3 types of sleep aid use (prescription, over-the-counter, and natural/herbal). Language preference was determined by whether the survey was completed in English or Spanish. Participants responded “Yes/No” to each type of sleep aid use. Primary regression models included adjustments for gender and age. Sensitivity analyses were conducted accounting for self-reported, physician-diagnosed sleep disorders. Results In unadjusted models, participants with Spanish-language preference were 2.38 (OR=2.38, 95%CI:1.30-4.36) and 1.80 (OR=1.80,95%CI:1.27-2.55) times more likely to report prescription and natural/herbal sleep aid use, respectively, compared to those with English-language preference. In primary models, language preference was not significantly associated with any type of sleep aid use. However, being below age 50 was associated with 68% and 44% decreased odds of reporting prescription and natural/herbal sleep aid use, respectively, when compared to those above age 50-79 (OR=0.32, 95%CI:0.16-0.64; OR=0.56,95%CI:0.38-0.84).Those who reported a sleep disorder were 6.35, 2.65, and 2.83 times more likely to report prescription, over-the-counter, and natural/herbal sleep aid use (OR=6.35, 95%CI:3.45-11.69; OR=2.65,95%CI:1.61-4.36; OR=2.83, 95%CI:1.85-4.37) compared to those without sleep disorder. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine language preference and sleep aid use in a Latinx sample. After adjusting for demographics, language was no longer significantly associated with prescription or over-the-counter sleep aid use. This change in significance may be due to differences in the age composition of the sample by language preference. Future studies in more balanced age samples should replicate these findings, and further unpack the determinants of prescription sleep aid use in Latinx adults with sleep disorders given the adverse side effects associated with prescription sleep aids. Support (if any):