• Jessica S Merlin, Melonie Walcott, Robert Kerns, Matthew J Bair, Kathryn L Burgio, and Janet M Turan.
• Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
• Pain Med. 2015 Apr 1; 16 (4): 706-14.

ObjectiveChronic 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.DesignWe conducted a thematic analysis of qualitative data from 25 in-depth interviews with individuals with HIV and chronic pain.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsSome 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.Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

18 keywords...

hide…