0300 Perceptions of Racial Identity and Neighborhood Environment Effects on Sleep and Mental Health among Black Adolescents – Dis/Engagement as Coping

Abstract Introduction Sleep is an integral part of adolescent development, yet Black adolescents are more likely to report poorer sleep compared to all other ethnic groups. While there has been speculation about the many predictors of poorer sleep for Black youth, neighborhood environment and racial discrimination seem to be most relevant. Methods Utilizing a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews, this study examined factors affecting sleep, mental health, and coping strategies in Black adolescents (n =14; ages 14-18 years old), as well as recommendations for protective factors to promote sleep health in adolescent development. In both individual and group interviews, questions included adolescent’s racial identity, experiences with racism, neighborhood environment, sleep beliefs and habits, mental health, and coping strategies. Results Several themes arose concerning factors for adolescent’s feelings of racial identity, barriers to sleep, and experiences with mental health and coping. Conclusion These results offer opportunities to further explore causes of sleep disparities in Black adolescent populations as well as strategies to increase positive sleep and mental health outcomes. Support (if any) n/a