Qualitative Insights Regarding the Use of Tai Chi for Pain Management Among Adults With HIV

Approximately one-half of all adults with HIV experience chronic pain. Needed are nonpharmacological approaches to improve pain management in this population.

For this study, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 20) with thirteen adults with HIV and 7 HIV care providers regarding their perceptions of Tai Chi for chronic pain management. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, double-coded, and analyzed using applied thematic analysis.

HIV patients had limited prior exposure to Tai Chi and had not previously considered this practice for pain management. However, after viewing a brief video demonstration of Tai Chi, patients recognized potential benefits, including relaxation, stress reduction, and pain lessening. Patients were surprised by the gentle nature of Tai Chi and expressed enthusiasm to learn more about Tai Chi. HIV healthcare providers similarly had limited knowledge of Tai Chi for pain management. HIV care providers shared several helpful insights on the potential implementation of Tai Chi with this population.

Adults with HIV and healthcare providers were optimistic that Tai Chi would reduce stress and ease chronic pain. These data suggest that Tai Chi would be of interest to HIV patients and care providers as a novel pain management strategy.