The lived experiences of chronic pain among immigrant Indian-Canadian women A phenomenological analysis

摘要

Background: Chronic pain is a growing public health concern affecting 1.5 million people inCanada. In particular, it is a concern among the expanding immigrant population, because immi-grant groups report higher pain intensity than non-immigrants. In 2011, the Indian populationbecame the largest visible minority group and continues to be the fastest growing. Though theprevalence of chronic pain among Canadian Indians is unknown, research has found a higherprevalence among Indian women than men in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom,with women reporting more severe pain. An understanding of how pain is experienced by thisparticular group is therefore important for providing culturally sensitive care.Aims: This study explores the lived experiences of chronic pain among immigrant Indian women inCanada.Methods: Thirteen immigrant Indian women participated in one-on-one interviews exploring dailyexperiences of chronic pain.Results: Using thematic analysis informed by van Manen’s phenomenology of practice, fourthemes emerged: (1) the body in pain, (2) pain in the context of lived and felt space, (3) pain andrelationships, and (4) pain and time. Women revealed that their experiences were shaped by genderroles and expectations enforced through culture. Specifically, a dual gender role was identified afterimmigration, in which women had to balance traditional household responsibilities of family laborand care alongside employment outside the home, exacerbating pain.Conclusions: This research uncovers the multifaceted nature of chronic pain and identifies factorswithin the sociocultural context that may place particular groups of women at greater risk of livingwith pain.