Pain experiences of Hindi-speaking Indian migrants in Sydney: a qualitative study

Pavithra Rajan; Claire E Hiller; Andrew Leaver; Sarah Dennis; Kathryn Refshauge; Bernadette Brady

doi:10.1016/j.physio.2022.03.002

Pain experiences of Hindi-speaking Indian migrants in Sydney: a qualitative study

Physiotherapy. 2022 Sep:116:25-32. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2022.03.002. Epub 2022 Mar 11.

Authors

Pavithra Rajan¹, Claire E Hiller², Andrew Leaver³, Sarah Dennis⁴, Kathryn Refshauge⁵, Bernadette Brady⁶

Affiliations

¹ Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: praj6490@uni.sydney.edu.au.
² Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: Claire.hiller@sydney.edu.au.
³ Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: Andrew.leaver@sydney.edu.au.
⁴ Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; South Western Sydney Local Health District, Australia; Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Australia. Electronic address: Sarah.dennis@sydney.edu.au.
⁵ Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: Kathryn.refshauge@sydney.edu.au.
⁶ Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; South Western Sydney Local Health District, Australia. Electronic address: Bernadette.Brady@health.nsw.gov.au.

PMID: 35462215
DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2022.03.002

Abstract

Cultural beliefs and values are increasingly understood to influence the experience of pain, health-seeking, and pain management behaviours. Research exploring cultural beliefs about pain is particularly needed for Indian migrants, who have a high prevalence of pain and are among the largest migrant communities in Australia and internationally. The objective of this study was to explore pain-related beliefs and coping strategies of Hindi-speaking Indian migrants with chronic back pain living in Sydney. Indian migrants (n = 26) completed a demographic survey, standardised pain questionnaires (RMDQ, PSEQ and BBQ) and participated in one of five focus group discussions. This cohort had low levels of disability: Mean (SD) [RMDQ 5.04 (3.2)], high self-efficacy [PSEQ 44.6 (8.8)], and relatively positive beliefs about back pain [BBQ 28.6 (4.4)]. Three categories of interconnected beliefs emerged from the focus groups: causative, treatment/coping-related, and prognostic beliefs underpinned by a core cultural belief in 'the philosophy of Karma'. Within this core philosophy, three cultural values were central to the experience of pain and the construction of pain-related beliefs: collectivism and contribution, gendered roles, and mind-body wellness. The incorporation of holistic approaches to back pain management with an emphasis on mindfulness, exercise, and physical activity aligned with family-oriented goals could be considered for management of chronic back pain among Indian migrant communities. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

Keywords: Beliefs; Ethnicity; Focus groups; Pain management.

MeSH terms

Focus Groups
Humans
Low Back Pain* / epidemiology
Qualitative Research
Surveys and Questionnaires
Transients and Migrants*