Examining 24-Hour Activity and Sleep Behaviors and Related Determinants in Latino Adolescents and Young Adults With Obesity

Abstract

Background. Few studies have examined 24-hour activity and sleep behaviors and their contribution to type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Latino adolescents and young adults with obesity. Aim. This study included quantitative data on T2D risk and 24-hour activity and sleep behaviors and qualitative data on individual, social, and environmental behavioral determinants. Method. A 7 day, 24-hour, wrist-worn accelerometer protocol assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors (SB), sleep, and sleep regularity, in adolescents ( N = 38; 12–16 years) and young adults ( N = 22; 18–22 years). T2D-related outcomes included adiposity (BMI, BF%, waist circumference), fasting, and 2-hour glucose. A subsample of participants ( N = 16 adolescents, N = 15 young adults) completed interviews to identify behavioral determinants. Results. High levels of PA were observed among adolescents ( M = 103.8 ± 67.5 minutes/day) and young adults ( M = 96.8 ± 78.8 minutes/day) as well as high levels of SB across both age groups (≥10 hours/day). Sleep regularity was negatively associated with adiposity (all ps < .05) in both age groups as well as fasting and 2-hour glucose in young adults (all ps < .05). Social support was associated with PA in both age groups as well as SB in younger youth. Auditory noises, lights, and safety inhibited sleep in both age groups. Conclusion. PA is critical for disease reduction, yet reducing SB and improving sleep are also important targets for reducing T2D risk in Hispanic adolescents and young adults. Future health promotion and disease prevention strategies should leverage qualitative findings regarding behavioral determinants.