Merlin, Jessica S.Walcott, MelonieKerns, RobertBair, Matthew J.Burgio, Kathryn L.Turan, Janet M.2016-08-152016-08-152015-04Merlin, J. S., Walcott, M., Kerns, R., Bair, M. J., Burgio, K. L., & Turan, J. M. (2015). Pain Self-Management in HIV-infected Individuals with Chronic Pain: A Qualitative Study. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.), 16(4), 706–714. http://doi.org/10.1111/pme.127011526-4637https://hdl.handle.net/1805/10696OBJECTIVE: 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.en-USPublisher PolicyChronic PaintherapyHIV InfectionscomplicationsPain ManagementmethodsSelf CareArticle