June 08, 2018
Maori miss out on chronic pain treatment
The authors of a new study of chronic pain are recommending more culturally meaningful treatment practices, including integrating Maori, Pacific and Asian cultural practices.
The study from Auckland University of Technology’s School of Clinical Sciences found ethnic minority groups are significantly under-represented in chronic pain services.
Associate Professor Gwyn Lewis says 7 percent fewer Maori and a whopping 58 percent fewer Pacific people are treated than could be expected by population share.
She says for cultural reasons those groups are less likely to reveal pain to others, and will also ignore or endure pain for longer before seeking treatment.
Factors may be cost, communication barriers, and an unwelcoming reception.
Maori seeking treatment had greater disability, higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress, and lower self- efficacy to manage pain.
They also had more pain-related fear and catastrophic thoughts.
A multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain management is widely considered best practice, and that could incorporate cultural and spiritual practices.
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