Self-care Management for Neuropathy in HIV Disease

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurological complication in HIV and is often associated with antiretroviral therapy. As part of a larger study on self-care for symptoms in HIV disease, this study analyzed the prevalence and characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in HIV disease, the self-care strategies, and sources of information for self-care utilized by the sample. A convenience sample of 422 respondents was recruited from an Internet web-based site developed by the University of California, San Francisco International HIV/AIDS Research Network and from five geographic data collection sites (Boston, New York City, San Francisco and Paterson in the USA, and Oslo, Norway). Results of the study indicated that respondents with peripheral neuropathy identified 77 self-care behaviours including complementary therapies, use of medications, exercise and rest and/or elevation of extremities. Sources of information included health care providers, informal networks and media sources.