A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for HIV-Associated Chronic Pain.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) compared to health education control in managing chronic pain and stress among inner-city HIV-infected individuals.
Results Summary
Post-intervention, participants reported modest improvements in pain and perceived stress, with no significant difference between groups. At 3-month follow-up, MBSR participants maintained pain improvement and continued practice, while the control group's pain worsened; MBSR was perceived as useful for relaxation and pain relief.
Population
Inner-city, HIV-infected individuals with chronic pain.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified (follow-up at 3 months)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | decrease | pain measures | 32 inner city, HIV-infected participants | modest | modest improvements | #1 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | decrease | perceived stress | 32 inner city, HIV-infected participants | modest | modest improvements | #2 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | no change | group assignment | 32 inner city, HIV-infected participants | no significant change | no effect | #3 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | no change | practice adherence | MBSR participants | 79% | still practicing | #4 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | decrease | pain intensity | MBSR participants | - | improved | #5 |
health education control | increase | pain intensity | control group | - | worsened | #6 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | increase | relaxation | - | - | perceived as useful | #7 |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | increase | pain relief | - | - | perceived as useful | #8 |
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.