A description of chronic musculoskeletal pain among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Wisconsin, USA.

INTRODUCTION

People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) experience disproportionate health burdens, including higher rates of chronic pain. However, the nature, prevalence, and impact of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) on people living with HIV are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of CMP, HIV disease state, medication and substance use, HIV care, stigma, and comorbidities among a sample of people living with HIV.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional survey of people living with HIV in Wisconsin, United States, that was completed between February 2023 and January 2024. The prevalence of respondents with CMP by body location was calculated. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables for respondents with and without CMP.

RESULTS

A total of 93 responses were analyzed. A total of 90.32% (n = 84) of respondents reported CMP. Lower back pain was the most common site of CMP (65.59%, n = 61). Respondents with CMP were older (43.2 years), lived with HIV for a longer period (13.69 years), and reported greater use of antiretroviral therapy (87.48%) compared to respondents without CMP. Respondents with CMP showed a moderate level of perceived stigma related to HIV status and were found to have moderate depression and mild anxiety.

CONCLUSION

This study reinforces prior literature indicating that people living with HIV experience a substantially higher rate of CMP. Further study is needed to better understand the intersection between CMP, HIV, and health outcomes.