# A Mixed Methods Exploration of Stigma, Discrimination, and Sleep Among Those on Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

> **NIH NIH F31** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2023 · $22,799

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Sleep deficiency occurs in as many as 65% of people with OUD. The prevalence of sleep deficiency is
attributable to concurrent factors such as mental health disorders, chronic pain, and medication use (e.g.,
benzodiazepine abuse), however the contribution of social factors are not well understood. Persistent social
factors and concerns within this population are stigma and discrimination. People on MOUD are stigmatized
and discriminated against for a number of reasons including OUD itself, treatment status and possibly other
personal characteristics or social issues (e.g., race, gender, socioeconomic status, and incarceration history)
that may contribute to intersectional stigma and intersectional discrimination. However, the relationship
between stigma and discrimination with sleep deficiency and intersectional experiences and perceptions of
stigma and discrimination among patients on MOUD are not well understood. The purpose of the proposed
convergent mixed methods study, nested within the NIH HEAL funded mechanistic study (CLOUDS STUDY-
Collaboration Linking Opioid Use Disorder and Sleep) is to examine the relationship between OUD-related
stigma, and intersectional discrimination with sleep deficiency among patients on MOUD. We will address the
following aims: Aim 1: Examine the relationships between (1a) OUD-related stigma; (1b) intersectional
discrimination; (1c) self-reported and objectively measured (wrist actigraph) sleep deficiency; among patients
on MOUD [quantitative]. Hypothesis: OUD-related stigma and intersectional discrimination are associated with
increased sleep deficiency among patients on MOUD while controlling for pain, perceived stress, and mental
health. Aim 2: Describe (1) how individuals perceive issues of stigma, discrimination, and sleep; (2)
the intersectional phenomena of stigma and discrimination; (3) how experiences and perceptions associate
with sleep [qualitative]. Aim 3: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between stigma and
discrimination with sleep deficiency among patients on MOUD through integration of quantitative and
qualitative data from Aims 1 and 2 [mixed methods]. Aligned with NIDA's strategic priority of understanding
complex interactions of factors influencing drug use trajectories, the proposed research training proposal will
provide an essential foundation for a sustained research career focused on investigating modifiable
psychosocial factors influence on health among those who suffer from drug addiction.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10590606
- **Project number:** 5F31DA054762-02
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Uzoji Nwanaji-Enwerem
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $22,799
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-04-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10590606

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10590606, A Mixed Methods Exploration of Stigma, Discrimination, and Sleep Among Those on Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (5F31DA054762-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10590606. Licensed CC0.

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