Journal of Pain Research
Volume 10, 2017, Pages 1383-1390

Effects of acculturation, coping strategies, locus of control, and self-efficacy on chronic pain: Study of Chinese immigrant women in Italy - insights from a thematic field analysis (Article)

Re T.S.* , Bragazzi N.L. , Siri A. , Puebla C.C. , Friese S. , Simões M. , Candau J. , Khabbache H.
  • a UNESCO Chair Health Anthropology Biosphere and Healing Systems, Genoa, Italy
  • b UNESCO Chair Health Anthropology Biosphere and Healing Systems, Genoa, Italy, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
  • c UNESCO Chair Health Anthropology Biosphere and Healing Systems, Genoa, Italy
  • d Department of Sociology, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Iztapalapa, San Rafael Atlixco, Mexico
  • e Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity, Göttingen, Germany
  • f Medical Faculty, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
  • g Laboratory of Anthropology and Cognitive and Social Psychology (LAPCOS), University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
  • h Faculty of Literature and Humanistic Studies, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

Abstract

Chronic pain represents a common public health concern worldwide. It is a complex phenomenon, owing to the interaction of different factors, including biological, physiological, psychological, environmental, and social variables. Some groups, such as women and immigrants, are particularly vulnerable. However, little is known about how Chinese women in Italy live with and face chronic pain. The present study aimed at filling this knowledge gap by examining the burden of chronic pain in Chinese immigrants in Italy in terms of acculturation processes, perceived control over disease, social networks, and coping strategies. A qualitative approach was used, performing a thematic field analysis. We interviewed 82 Chinese women from different Italian towns (Genoa, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Florence, and Prato) in depth. The sense of belonging to the host culture was strong in our sample. However, this did not simply reflect or translate into a linear engagement with medical systems, as health care pathways were more complex and dual (both Chinese and Western). Chinese women who felt deeply rooted in the Italian environment did not discontinue the use of traditional Chinese medicine. Chronic pain extensively and adversely affected daily life, particularly interfering with work. Coping strategies were mainly adaptive behaviors, being problem focused or maladaptive, relying upon “cope and avoid” mechanisms. Chinese women preferred to use traditional Chinese remedies rather than conventional medicine, while using the Italian system in emergencies. Perceived control over chronic pain was usually external. Finally, Chinese women with chronic pain benefit from social networks and support, which were mainly composed of Chinese peers. In conclusion, our findings underline the tremendous burden of chronic pain affecting all aspects of Chinese women’s lives. Health care workers and providers should be aware of the complexity of chronic pain Therefore, a holistic approach, involving different stakeholders, should be adopted when managing chronic pain and approaching immigrant patients. © 2017 Re et al.

Author Keywords

Chinese immigrants qualitative research Thematic field analysis Chronic pain

Index Keywords

perception immigrant Chinese human locus of control coping behavior social network Aged social support Italian (citizen) Chinese medicine female adaptive behavior qualitative analysis self concept cultural factor women's health Article thematic analysis major clinical study adult Italy Chronic Pain
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85020417017&partnerID=40&md5=5dcb7ecb7048e62455f62de82b58586f
ISSN: 11787090
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English