Browsing by Author "Lewis GN"

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    Chinese and Indian interpretations of pain: A qualitative evidence synthesis to facilitate chronic pain management
    (John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2023-07-09) Lewis GN; Shaikh N; Wang G; Chaudhary S; Bean D; Terry G
    Objective People from minority ethnicities often have a greater impact of chronic pain, are underrepresented at pain services, and may not benefit from treatment to the same extent as dominant cultures. The aim of this study was to review Indian and Chinese cultural views of pain and pain management, as a basis for improving management of chronic pain in migrant populations from these ethnicities. Methods A systematic review of qualitative studies addressing pain beliefs and experiences involving Indian and Chinese participants was conducted. Thematic synthesis was used to identify themes across the studies, and the quality of the articles was appraised. Results Twenty-six articles were included, most of which were appraised as high quality. Five themes were identified: Making meaning of pain described the holistic interpretation of the meaning of pain; Pain is disabling and distressing described the marked physical, psychological, and spiritual impact of pain; Pain should be endured described the cultural expectation to suppress responses to pain and not be a burden; Pain brings strength and spiritual growth described the enrichment and empowerment some people experienced through living with pain, and Management of pain goes beyond a traditional or Western approach described the factors that guided people in their use of healthcare. Discussion The review identified a holistic interpretation and impact of pain in Indian and Chinese populations, with pain management guided by multiple factors that transcended a single cultural framework. Several strength-based management strategies are recommended based on preferences for traditional treatments and respect for Western healthcare.
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    Health and illness beliefs regarding pain and pain management of New Zealand resident Sāmoan community leaders: A qualitative interpretive study based on Pasifika paradigms
    (Australian Health Promotion Association, 2023-09-25) Upsdell A; Fia'ali'i J; Lewis GN; Terry G; Smith JA
    ISSUE ADDRESSED: Ethnic disparities in chronic pain exist in Aotearoa New Zealand, including a greater impact of pain, less access to chronic pain services and less benefit from treatment for Pasifika people. This study investigated Sāmoan health perceptions and beliefs in relation to pain and how it is managed. METHODS: An interpretive descriptive study was undertaken involving interviews with nine Sāmoan key informants from Aotearoa New Zealand. Interviews explored their beliefs in relation to interpretations of pain and experiences of and preferences for pain management. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes were constructed from the data. Pain is interpreted holistically described the attribution of pain to many causes, without limitation to physiological explanations. Stoicism is a character virtue described the predominant belief that pain should be endured without display or complaint. Strength in connectivity described the inherent pain coping strategies that are present within Sāmoan communities. To improve healthcare is to nurture vā described the disconnect Sāmoan people feel from healthcare services and the need to foster relationships to improve health delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Sāmoan people have beliefs and perceptions about pain and its management that extend beyond traditional Western interpretations. While pain is often endured using traditional strengths within the 'āīga (family) and community, the Sāmoan community faces challenges in receiving healthcare from mainstream pain services. SO WHAT?: Clinicians need to foster stronger relationships with Sāmoan individuals and their 'āīga and appreciate the wider psychosocial context of pain, including spirituality.