Considerations for a Mind-Body Program for Latine Adults with Chronic Pain and Cognitive Impairment: A Qualitative...

Chronic pain and cognitive impairment often co-occur and exacerbate each other, with Spanish-speaking Latine adults exhibiting a high prevalence of such comorbidity. While mind-body interventions for this comorbidity show promise, available programs are not tailored to the linguistic and cultural needs of socio-economically disadvantaged Latine adults with cognitive impairment. This study gathered recommendations from healthcare providers to tailor mind-body programs for Latine adults with chronic pain and cognitive impairment.

We conducted six qualitative focus groups with 21 providers and support staff across various healthcare centers. Providers offered their perspectives on the needs, barriers, and general recommendations on tailoring mind-body skills for Spanish-speaking adults with chronic pain and cognitive impairment. We conducted thematic analysis using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach.

Within the needs and barriers domain, providers highlighted the importance of targeting multi-morbidities (pain, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances), as well as social and structural factors (isolation, economic hardships, and invalidation of pain and memory-related concerns). Within the socio-cultural considerations for mind-body programs domain, providers perceived skills as a privilege rather than as socio-culturally embedded. They noted difficulties understanding, relating to, and practicing skills due to patient's limited educational backgrounds, health literacy, and support. Within the recommendation's domain, there was a preference for in-person, group-based approaches and programs involving family members to support practice at home. Providers emphasized that while many Latine adults with cognitive impairment remain largely independent, flexible delivery models with varying levels of social support are critical for sustaining skills.

Interventions grounded in community connection, family engagement, and culturally meaningful delivery may better align with how Latine individuals navigate their health journeys with chronic pain and cognitive impairment. By centering pain care within relational and community contexts, the present study offers guidance for enhancing mind-body programs to better support engagement, pain management, and cognitive health among Spanish-speaking Latine adults at elevated risk for dementia.