Abstract P1101: Associations Between Cardiovascular Risk Behaviors and Sleep Duration in Young Adult Sexual Minority Men

Abstract

Introduction: Young adult sexual minority men are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease due to social behaviors, particiulary tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. The American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 provides a framework to enhance cardiovascular health. Tobacco use and excessive drinking are associated with significant cardiovascular risks, with tobacco linked to about one-third of all deaths from heart disease and excessive drinking increasing the risk of liver and heart disease. This study examined the associations between cardiovascular risk behaviors and sleep duration in young adult sexual minority men. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption would be associated with sleep duration and vary by sleep duration category (7-9 hrs vs. >9 hrs). Methods: Secondary data were analyzed from an HIV prevention behavioral trial with 322 young adult sexual minority men ages 18–34. A step-wise multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted in R to examine the relationships between tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and sleep duration comparing individuals sleeping 7-9 hours and those sleeping more than 9 hours (reference category). Missing data were addressed using multiple imputation by chained equations. Results: Tobacco use was reported in 21% of participants, while 90% reported alcohol consumption. Tobacco use was significantly associated with increased odds of sleeping 7 to 9 hours (estimate = 0.978, p = 0.003), while alcohol consumption had a significant negative impact on this category (estimate = -0.182, p = 0.038). For those sleeping more than 9 hours, tobacco use was significantly associated with extended sleep (estimate = 0.846, p = 0.005), while alcohol approached significance (estimate = 0.164, p = 0.050). Age and income were not significant. Conclusions This study highlights the complex relationships between tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and sleep duration in young adult sexual minority men. The association of tobacco use with sleeping 7-9 hours is controversial, as tobacco is not cardioprotective and is linked to adverse health outcomes. Smoking may fulfill stress-reducing needs, affecting sleep patterns. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption negatively impacts sleep duration and may worsen cardiovascular risks. Behavioral interventions grounded in Life's Essential 8 may be beneficial in reducing cardiovascular risk behaviors in young adult sexual minority men.