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. 2023 Oct 2:14:1268179.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1268179. eCollection 2023.

Exploring chronic pain related attentional experiences, distress and coping strategies among Arabic-speaking individuals in Jordan and the United Kingdom

Ahmad N Abudoush  1   2 , Khalifa Ali  1 , Tayyeba Kiran  3 , Maria Panagioti  1 , Ellen Poliakoff  1 , Nang Mo Hom  4 , Nusrat Husain  1
Affiliations

Exploring chronic pain related attentional experiences, distress and coping strategies among Arabic-speaking individuals in Jordan and the United Kingdom

Ahmad N Abudoush et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

Introduction: The lived experiences of chronic pain (CP) among Arabic-speaking populations remain underexplored. A better understanding of these experiences and their associations with attention difficulties, coping mechanisms, and treatment options could lead to improved support for this group.

Methods: This qualitative study utilised a descriptive design and involved one-to-one interviews with 51 participants with CP who had just completed two attention tasks. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured topic guide, transcribed verbatim and translated from Arabic to English before agreeing on the coding framework. Themes and subthemes were extracted using a framework analysis approach.

Results: The study identified six main themes: Factors contributing towards developing or exacerbating CP, the impact of CP on psychosocial functions, including attention, the perceived role of social support, coping strategies for managing CP, perceptions about available treatments and recommendations for interventions.

Discussion: CP significantly impacts individuals' physical and psychosocial functions, and it is reciprocally associated with attentional difficulties. Despite using various approaches to manage their CP, none of the participants used psychological interventions or counselling. Understanding the diverse impacts of CP and the coping strategies employed to develop culturally sensitive interventions, review current related policies, and improve healthcare services is crucial to managing CP among this population.

Keywords: Arabic; attention experiences; chronic pain; coping strategies; distress; framework analysis; qualitative.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A diagram showing the themes and subthemes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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