Theory of Planned Behavior based predictors of sleep behaviors and intentions in undergraduate college students

Background: Insufficient sleep is a growing public health concern. While a number of studies have examined the sleep hygiene of the general population, college populations have received little attention. This study represented the first application of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict the sleep behaviors and intentions of full-time undergraduate college students. Methods: Constructs of the TPB measured included attitude towards the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The dependent variables measured included duration of sleep (in hours), sleep difficulties, and intention to sleep for eight hours. A cross-sectional survey design was utilized in this study. A convenience sample of 197 full-time undergraduate students from a large Midwestern University was surveyed. In arriving at the sample size an alpha of 0.05, a power of 0.80, and a population correlation coefficient of 0.20 were considered. A qualitative elicitation study was conducted to determine the population's salient behavioral, normative and control beliefs. Validation of the instrument was overseen by a panel of six experts. The instrumentation process included calculation of Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency, test-retest coefficient, and confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity. Stepwise multiple regression and logistic regression modeling were used to predict dependent variables using constructs of TPB. Results: TPB is a useful framework for understanding sleep behaviors in college students. Conclusions: This investigation provided a critical framework for the development of future interventions that promote the adoption of healthy sleep patterns among undergraduate college student populations. Recommendations for developing and testing future interventions are presented.