The role of sleep dysfunction in the relationship between trauma, neglect and depression in methamphetamine using men

Background: Childhood abuse and neglect, or childhood trauma (CT), has been associated with methamphetamine use, HIV, and depression. This study explored the potential for sleep dysfunction to influence the relationship between CT and depression in methamphetamine using men. Methods: A total of N = 347 men were enrolled: 1) HIV-uninfected, non-methamphetamine (MA) using heterosexual and homosexual men (HIV- MA-; n = 148), 2) MA-using MSM living with HIV (HIV+ MA+; n = 147) and 3) HIV-uninfected, MA using MSM (HIV- MA+; n = 52). Participants completed measures of demographic characteristics, sleep dysfunction, childhood trauma, and depression. Results: Participants were on average 37 years old (SD = 9.65). Half of participants were Hispanic, and 48.1% had a monthly personal income of less than USD$500. Controlling for sleep dysfunction and control variables, the impact of CT on depression decreased significantly, b = 0.203, p < 0.001, and the indirect effect of CT on depression was significant according to a 95% bCI, b = 0.091, bCI (95% CI 0.057, 0.130). That is, sleep dysfunction partially explained the relationship between CT on depression. Limitations: Important limitations included the cross-sectional design of the study, and the self-reported measure of sleep. Conclusions: Results highlight the use of sleep interventions to prevent and treat depression, and the utility of assessing sleep disturbances in clinical care.