title: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for HIV-Associated Chronic Pain.
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.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Neurology , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
authors.forename: Mary Catherine
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: George
authors.affiliation: a Department of Neurology , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
authors.forename: Arada
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wongmek
authors.affiliation: a Department of Neurology , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaku
authors.affiliation: a Department of Neurology , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nmashie
authors.affiliation: a Department of Neurology , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Robinson-Papp
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D064866:Mindfulness / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012648:Self Care; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: HIV; Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR); chronic pain; mixed methods