Extrinsic and Intrinsic Family Factors Associated with Sleep Health in Adolescent Athletes

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between subjective social status (SSS) and sleep-related quality of life in Black/African American adolescent athletes. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, adolescent athletes (n = 215; age: Median = 15, Interquartile Range (IQR) = 15–17 years) were recruited from secondary schools in West Central Alabama. Participants reported SSS was measured using the MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status-Youth Version (self and family), while sleep disturbances measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Sleep Disturbances Scale. Covariates included self-reported gender, concussion history, and familial social support–measured using the PROMIS Family Relationships Scale Short Form. Results: Results from separate univariate logistic regression models indicated greater odds of better sleep with higher perceived family-SSS (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.76), higher perceived familial social support (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.07), and being male relative to female (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.26). Perceived self-SSS demonstrated no significant associations (χ2 = 0.02, p =.90). Adjusting for gender and perceived family social support, high perceived family-SSS (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.52) remained significantly associated with having better sleep. Conclusions: In conclusion, male adolescent athletes with high perceived family-SSS and support had greater odds of having better sleep-related quality of life. Further investigation into the relationship between family-SSS and sleep disturbances is warranted for female adolescent athletes.