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. 2015 Apr;16(4):706-14.
doi: 10.1111/pme.12701. Epub 2015 Feb 3.

Pain self-management in HIV-infected individuals with chronic pain: a qualitative study

Jessica S Merlin  1 , Melonie Walcott, Robert Kerns, Matthew J Bair, Kathryn L Burgio, Janet M Turan
Affiliations

Pain self-management in HIV-infected individuals with chronic pain: a qualitative study

Jessica S Merlin et al. Pain Med. 2015 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: Chronic pain in individuals with HIV is a common, impairing condition. Behavioral interventions for chronic pain specifically tailored to this population have yet to be developed. We assert that understanding self-management strategies already used by persons living with these conditions is an essential first step, and is the objective of this investigation.

Design: We conducted a thematic analysis of qualitative data from 25 in-depth interviews with individuals with HIV and chronic pain.

Results: The primary pain self-management strategies articulated by participants were: physical activity; cognitive and spiritual strategies; spending time with family and friends and social support; avoidance of physical/social activity; medication-centric pain management; and substance use.

Conclusions: Some of these strategies may be viewed as beneficial and overlap with known HIV self-management strategies (cognitive strategies), whereas others may have negative health consequences (substance use). Interventions that incorporate healthy self-management strategies may be particularly effective in improving both HIV and pain outcomes.

Keywords: Chronic Pain; HIV; Pain Psychology; Self-Management.

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References

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