Voces Latinas: A Qualitative Study of Cultural Values and Sleep Health,Insights from Latina Community Health Workers

Abstract

Background

Latinas in the U.S. experience higher rates of sleep disturbances and shorter sleep durations compared to non-Hispanic White women. This study employed community-engaged research methods to explore sleep-related knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors within the Latina socio-cultural context, utilizing insights from focus groups with Latina community health workers (CHWs).

Methods

CHWs served on a community advisory board (CAB) to develop focus group questions addressing sleep among diverse women. CHWs from four racial/ethnic groups, including Latinas, conducted three focus groups. CAB members facilitated participant recruitment and focus groups. Thematic analysis guided coding of emergent themes. We conducted sessions in Spanish and were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed collaboratively.

Results

Thirty-one Latinas participated, revealing four overarching cultural themes influencing sleep behaviors: (1) Familismo, prioritizing family needs over personal well-being; (2) Marianismo, self-sacrifice and duty to maternal and spousal roles, often neglecting sleep; (3) Confianza, the importance of trust, particularly in healthcare relationships; and (4) Self-reliance, addressing sleep concerns through culturally accepted solutions.

Conclusion

Findings underscore the connection between culture and sleep-health behaviors, highlighting the necessity of culturally sensitive interventions. CHWs demonstrated confidence in advocating for sleep health within their communities. Building trust with CHWs facilitated actionable insights for future development of effective sleep interventions.