A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for HIV-Associated Chronic Pain. Issue 2 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: George, Mary Catherine; Wongmek, Arada; Kaku, Michelle; Nmashie, Alexandra; Robinson-Papp, Jessica
• Is Part Of: Behavioral medicine. Volume 43:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 119
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: chronic pain -- HIV -- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) -- mixed methods; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine, Psychosomatic -- Periodicals; Stress (Physiology) -- Periodicals; Stress (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 616.98
• DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2015.1107525
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0896-4289

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Treatment guidelines for chronic pain recommend nonpharmacologic modalities as part of a comprehensive management plan. Chronic pain is common among people living with HIV/AIDS, but there is little data to guide the choice of nonpharmacologic therapies in this complex population. We performed a mixed-methods feasibility study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) versus health education control with 32 inner city, HIV-infected participants. Outcome measures included: the Brief Pain Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, HIV Symptoms Index, autonomic function testing, and audiotaped focus groups. Post-intervention, participants reported modest improvements in pain measures and perceived stress, but no effect of group assignment was observed. At 3-month follow-up, 79% of MBSR participants were still practicing, and pain intensity was improved, whereas in the control group pain intensity had worsened. Qualitative analysis revealed a strong sense of community in both groups, but only MBSR was perceived as useful for relaxation and pain relief.