The meaning and perceived value of mind-body practices for people living with HIV: A qualitative synthesis

Donald, G., Lawrence, M., Lorimer, K., Stringer, J. and Flowers, P. (2015) The meaning and perceived value of mind-body practices for people living with HIV: A qualitative synthesis. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 26(5), pp. 660-672. (doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2014.11.010) (PMID:25769753)

Abstract

Mind-body practices (MBPs) are a subset of complementary medicine that represents a selection of self-care activities that may promote the health of people living with HIV (PLWH). No synthesis of qualitative research in this context, which might inform service provision and research priorities, has yet been published. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted, identifying papers exploring the experience of MBPs in PLWH. During thematic synthesis, all text under the headings “results” or “findings” was scanned line by line, and discrete, meaningful units of text were extracted as data items. Categories were identified, and second- and third-order constructs were developed. Concerns related to control and self-management appeared in the convergence of participants' worlds with the medical world and in being pragmatic about selecting MBPs and goal setting. The themes developed suggest a desire for more holistic and person-centered care, arguably marginalized as a result of effective antiretroviral therapy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Flowers, Professor Paul and Lorimer, Dr Karen
• Authors: Donald, G., Lawrence, M., Lorimer, K., Stringer, J., and Flowers, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1055-3290
• ISSN (Online): 1552-6917
• Published Online: 29 November 2014