Internalized HIV Stigma, Sleep Problems, and Depressive Symptoms in People with HIV in Botswana

This study investigates the impact of internalized HIV stigma on sleep problems and depression in people living with HIV (PLWH) in Botswana. It also explores whether sleep problems mediate the relationship between internalized HIV stigma and depressive symptoms, given that sleep disturbance is a symptom of depression and often predates a depressive episode. Secondary analysis was conducted using baseline data from a pilot randomized controlled trial on 58 virally unsuppressed PLWH in Gaborone, Botswana. Internalized HIV stigma, sleep disturbance and daytime impairment, and depressive symptoms were assessed using validated scales. Multiple linear regression and simple mediation models with bootstrap procedures were employed. Covariates for the adjusted models were age and sex assigned at birth. One in five participants reported experiencing moderate to extreme sleep problems. Internalized HIV stigma was associated with greater nighttime sleep disturbance, but not with daytime impairments or depressive symptoms. An indirect effect between internalized HIV stigma and depressive symptoms via nighttime sleep disturbance was identified; however, this path was no longer significant after adjusting for covariates. No significant indirect effects were found via daytime impairments. The findings of this study extend the existing literature by exploring the interplay between internalized HIV stigma, sleep disturbances, and depression among PLWH in Africa. While internalized HIV stigma contributes to nighttime sleep disturbance, its indirect role in affecting depressive symptoms is less clear, potentially due to small sample size. The study suggests the need for targeted interventions addressing sleep disturbances to potentially mitigate the psychological impacts of internalized HIV stigma.