Race and Ethnic Variation in Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). The sample included 5,173 older adults (mean age = 66.4 years) recruited from 6 field centers in the United States. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) was evaluated using two measures: self-report of feeling excessively sleepy ≤ 5 days per month and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) > 12. White participants were more likely than other groups to report EDS ≤ 5 days per month. After controlling for covariates, African American and Hispanic participants remained less likely to report EDS ≤ 5 days per month. African Americans were more likely to score > 12 on the ESS than White participants. Odds ESS > 12 in African American participants were attenuated but remained significant after controlling for covariates. Results indicate measurement of race/ethnic differences in EDS may result in conflicting estimates of race/ethnic variation. Furthermore, attenuation of differences in ESS < 12 suggests this measure has a stronger association with current health.

Notes

^a n = 2,036.

^b n = 600.

^c n = 1,301.

^d n = 1,068.

^eData are from Exam 3.

^fData are from baseline.

^gTotal intentional exercise, including moderate walking exercise, dance, and vigorous sports.

*p < .05.

**p < .01.

***p < .001 (compared to the reference group: White).

^a n = 2,036.

^b n = 600.

^c n = 1,301.

^d n = 1,068.

*p < .001 (compared to the reference group: White).

*p < .05.

**p < .01.

***p < .001 (compared to the reference group: White).

*p < .05.

**p < .01.

***p < .001 (compared to the reference group: White).

*p < .001.