Beliefs of women of childbearing age on healthy sleep habits: A reasoned action approach elicitation study

Authors: VÉZINA-IM, LYDI - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); BEAULIEU, DOMINIQUE - University Of Quebec; Thompson, Deborah - Debbe; NICKLAS, THERESA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); BARANOWSKI, TOM - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Women and Health
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/4/2021
Publication Date: 8/15/2021
Citation: Vezina-Im, L.A., Beaulieu, D., Thompson, D.J., Nicklas, T.A., Baranowski, T. 2021. Beliefs of women of childbearing age on healthy sleep habits: A reasoned action approach elicitation study. Women and Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2021.1966159.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2021.1966159

Interpretive Summary: Our objective was to identify the beliefs among women of childbearing age concerning healthy sleep habits. Women of childbearing age (18–41 years) were randomly assigned to answer questions regarding one of three healthy sleep habits: avoiding screen use in bed; avoiding caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes before bedtime; and having a regular bedtime and wake up time even on weekends. A analysis was performed by two experts to identify the most important beliefs. Participants reported that adopting the healthy sleep habits would improve sleep, avoid side effects, help them relax before bedtime, but make them feel like they were missing out on things. Adopting the healthy sleep habits was associated with feeling relaxed and satisfied, but also qualified as unpleasant and abnormal. Women of childbearing age mentioned their parents, partner, siblings and children would approve/disapprove if they adopted the healthy sleep habits and were the most/least likely to adopt them. Barriers were having activities in the evening and social situations. Facilitating factors were putting their electronic devices away from bed, having alternatives and a regular schedule. These results can guide the development of interventions promoting healthy sleep habits among women of childbearing age.

Technical Abstract: There is little information on the determinants of healthy sleep habits (HSH) among women of childbearing age (WOCBA). The objective was to identify WOCBA's beliefs on HSH based on the Reasoned Action Approach. Thirty WOCBA (18-41 years) were randomly assigned to answer questions regarding one of three HSH: avoiding screen use in bed; avoiding caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes before bedtime; and having a regular bedtime and wake up time even on weekends. A content analysis was performed independently by two experts to identify the most important beliefs using a 75% cumulative frequency of mention. Participants reported that adopting the HSH would improve sleep, avoid side effects, help them relax before bedtime and make them feel like they were missing out on things. Adopting the HSH was associated with feeling relaxed and satisfied, but also qualified as unpleasant and abnormal. WOCBA mentioned their parents, partner, siblings and children would approve/disapprove if they adopted the HSH and were the most/least likely to adopt them. Barriers were having activities in the evening and social situations. Facilitating factors were putting their electronic devices away from bed, having alternatives and a regular schedule. These results can guide the development of interventions promoting HSH among WOCBA.