Incarcerated Young Women’s Exercise and Sleep Behaviors: A Needs and Feasibility Study

Incarcerated young women (ages 16 to 21 yo) are at high risk for future drug abuse. Both regular exercise and adequate restorative sleep have been shown to reduce drug use and other harmful behaviors. Existing programs for incarcerated youth to reduce future drug use do not address healthy lifestyles or incorporate Positive Youth Development models. Implementing such a program requires understanding these young women's current physical activity and sleep attitudes and behaviors. PURPOSE: Determine whether wearable technology can be applied in a close custody setting. Establish current attitudes and behaviors related to sleep and physical activity of incarcerated young women. METHODS: Incarcerated young women completed an anonymous survey concerning physical activity and sleep attitudes and behaviors, using a 5-point agreement response scale. 46 of approximately 75 young women consented to participate. Descriptive statistics are presented. A convenience sample of 9 young women wore a Fitbit for a week. RESULTS: No regular physical activity program is provided for these young women. However, the majority felt that they were “built for exercise” and “have the skills for exercise.” There was strong agreement that “when active they enjoy it” at 4.2+0.8. The majority of girls felt that they “needed more sleep.” And being “sleepy” significantly correlated with self-reported being “grumpy” (p less than 0.001). Girls do not have access to computers, and we were able to implement a system of recharging and downloading the wearable units that was feasible and acceptable for staff. Girls used the Fitbits as directed. Only 2 of 9 girls achieved the goal of at least 8 hours sleep per night, despite the prescribed lights out and awakening times that should allow more than 9 hours sleep each night. Only one girl achieved more than 10,000 steps each day. CONCLUSION: Incarcerated young women’s sleep and physical activity do not meet recommended guidelines. Both are domains where these high-risk emerging adults still can make choices despite close custody. A Positive Youth Development program to enhance these behaviors and increase their self-efficacy for health choices could add to existing programs to deter future drug use and other harmful behaviors. Supported by the Paul R. Vogt endowment and Ramona and Thomas McDonald donations.