0402 The Cost of Self-Reliance: Firefighters' Perspectives Toward Sleep Coaching

Abstract Introduction Sleep coaching, based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi), may be an effective intervention for firefighters' sleep problems. However, little is known about how firefighters perceive such coaching. Given that self-reliance is linked to lower intentions to seek professional help, this study examined the relationships among self-reliance, stigma toward sleep coaching, and perceptions of its effectiveness. Methods Participants included firefighters (N =314) from 20 Arizona fire agencies, recruited through the Sleep Assistance for Firefighters (SAFFIRE) study. They completed a survey assessing self-reliance, stigma toward sleep coaching, and perceived effectiveness, adapted from the Determinants of Mental Health Treatment Seeking questionnaire. While controlling for age and years of service, multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess whether self-reliance predicted stigma and perceived effectiveness of sleep coaching. Results Results indicated that firefighters with greater self-reliance had higher stigma towards sleep coaching (B = 0.68, SE = 0.11, p < .001, R2 = 0.12). They were also less likely to view sleep coaching as an effective intervention (B = -0.75, SE = 0.08, p <.001, R2 = 0.23). Conclusion Our findings indicated that self-reliance is negatively associated with firefighters’ perceptions of sleep coaching. Addressing self-reliant tendencies by encouraging help-seeking behaviors may reduce stigma associated with sleep interventions and increase their adoption among firefighters. Support (if any) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL162799)