Open AccessPain Self‐Management in HIV‐Infected Individuals with Chronic Pain: A Qualitative Study
Author(s) -
Merlin Jessica S.,
Walcott Melonie,
Kerns Robert,
Bair Matthew J.,
Burgio Kathryn L.,
Turan Janet M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1111/pme.12701
Subject(s) - self management , chronic pain , medicine , psychological intervention , thematic analysis , qualitative research , cognition , population , clinical psychology , physical therapy , psychiatry , social science , environmental health , machine learning , sociology , computer science
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.