An Observational Study of Distress, Immune Function, and Pain in HIV.

An Observational Study of Shared Variation and Reciprocal Influences: Distress, Immune Function and Pain in HIV.

This case-control study focuses on pain in HIV, which is common despite antiretroviral therapy and compromises quality of life, mental health and daily functioning. Specifically, it will investigate the relationships between psychosocial distress, inflammation and pain in HIV.

We plan to recruit 100 people and follow them for 6 months, taking repeated measures. Participants who report persistent pain at enrolment will be assessed at 0 (baseline), 2, 4, and 6 months. Participants who report no pain at enrolment will be assessed at 0 (baseline) and 6 months. All participants will also be invited to participate in weekly remote assessment of selected self-reported outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HIV-positive with viral suppression
• report either persistent pain or no pain at enrolment

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• acute psychiatric condition requiring urgent care
• cognitive impairment preventing full participation