Effect of autogenic training on quality of life and symptoms in people living with HIV: A mixed method randomized controlled trial

Objective: Quality of life of people living with HIV is strongly affected by sleep problems, fatigue, pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms. This study set out to evaluate the effects of autogenic training (AT) on quality of life and symptoms within this population.

Methods: A mixed method randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to either the AT group (n = 32) or the control group (CG) (n = 31). Quality of life and symptoms were measured in both groups three times: prior to intervention (T0), immediately after intervention (T3), and three months after intervention (T6). Fourteen individual interviews were conducted.

Results: Results show a significant improvement in social and mental dimensions of quality of life for the two groups at T6. They also show a significant improvement in sleep for AT participants at T3. Qualitative results are consistent with quantitative ones.

Conclusion: AT seems to improve sleep quality and could improve some dimensions of quality of life and other symptoms among people living with HIV. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Trial registration number: NCT01901016.