Pain, Sleep Disturbances, and Functional Limitations in People Living with HIV/AIDS-Associated Distal Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Background: Pain, sleep, and functional disturbances are a common occurrence in people living with HIV/AIDS-related distal sensory peripheral neuropathy (PLWHA-DSPN) yet lack group classification and quantification. Methods: A total of 46 PLWHA-DSPN were recruited, as part of a 2-group intervention study, to complete the Neuropathic Pain Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires. The participant’s performance during a forward reach task and walking distance in 6 minutes was recorded as a measure of function. Results: The pain (60.77 ± 17.85) and sleep (14.62 ± 4.28) scores denote marked pain and sleep disturbances, compared to sero-negative, age-matched individuals. The ambulation distance was limited (243.99 ± 141.04 m) and inversely associated with the PSQI-sleep efficiency subscale ( rs = −.35, P < .05). The average reaching distances measured (36.07 ± 7.37 cm) were similar to sero-negative, age-matched individuals. Pain, sleep, and functional measures exhibited significant associations. Conclusions: The data collected suggest that PLWHA-DSPN report moderate-to-severe pain and significant sleep disturbances and exhibit limited ambulation distances.