Outcomes Associated with a Cognitive-behavioral Chronic Pain Management Program Implemented in Three Public HIV Primary Care Clinics

Overview

Journal J Behav Health Serv Res

Publisher Springer

Specialty Health Services

Date 2011 Sep 28

PMID 21947662

Citations 21

Authors

Jodie A Trafton

John T Sorrell

Mark Holodniy

Heather Pierson

Percy Link

Ann Combs

Dennis Israelski

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

In patients with HIV/AIDS, chronic pain is common and analgesics pose serious risks. Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) provide an alternative. This study evaluated feasibility and impact of a CBT-based pain management program in three public primary care clinics for HIV patients. The program included a workbook and 12-weeks of group CBT sessions. HIV-positive patients with chronic moderate to severe pain were invited to participate in the program and were assessed at enrollment, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Despite only moderate group attendance, program enrollment was associated with significant improvements in pain intensity, pain-related functioning, anxiety and acceptance, and mental health. At 24 weeks, effect sizes for pain outcomes were -0.83 for pain intensity and -0.43 for functioning. The pattern of change in outcomes was consistent with predictions based on cognitive-behavioral theory. Effects were observed at all clinics. Adding CBT-based pain management into primary care may provide important benefits for patients with HIV/AIDS.

Citing Articles

Non-Pharmacological Interventions Addressing Chronic Pain in People Living with HIV.

Chen Y, Safren S Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2025; 22(1):24.

PMID: 40082267 PMC: 11906562. DOI: 10.1007/s11904-025-00734-3.

Prevalence, correlates, and quality-of-life outcomes of major or persistent pain among women living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

Ly S, Shannon K, Braschel M, Zhou H, Krusi A, Deering K Harm Reduct J. 2024; 21(1):10.

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Pinkston M, Busch A, Stein M, Baker J, Caviness C, Herman D Contemp Clin Trials. 2022; 119:106842.

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Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Treatments for Chronic Pain Used by Patients with Pain, HIV, and Depression.

Uebelacker L, Cherenack E, Busch A, Baker J, Pinkston M, Gleason N AIDS Behav. 2021; 26(3):864-873.

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