How does the general population approach their pain? A cross-sectional study in Palestine

Abstract

Background: Pain perception and management vary across cultural contexts; yet, little is known about pain approaches in the general population of Palestine. Existing research lacks specific knowledge about how pain is coped with in this region.

Objective: To explore pain management among Palestine's general population, studying prevalence, characteristics, and sociodemographic influences. It aims to uncover treatment choices and understand cultural impacts on pain experiences, offering insights into Palestinian pain perception and coping strategies.

Methods: Convenience and snowball sampling methods were employed to collect data from 646 adults in Palestine. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics, pain experiences, and pain management strategies were examined. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression followed by multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis.

Results: A significant portion of participants reported experiencing pain, with chronic pain being predominant. Pain prevalence varied across age groups, with higher rates in the elderly, followed by middle-aged and younger participants. Marital status and education level were linked to pain prevalence. Participants employed diverse pain management strategies, such as self-medication, physician visits, complementary medicine, and physical therapy. Age, gender, marital status, and education level influenced choices in pain management approaches. For instance, the elderly favored traditional medical interventions, while higher education levels were associated with reduced inclination toward conventional treatments.

Conclusion: This study underscores the complex interaction of sociodemographic factors, pain experiences, and treatment preferences in pain management. It emphasizes personalized strategies considering age, marital status, education, and gender. Integrating these aspects improves treatment and satisfaction. The findings empower healthcare providers to create precise strategies, enhancing patient experiences for better outcomes.

Keywords: Pain perception; alternative medicines; coping strategies; prevalence; self-medication.

Figure 1.

Diagrammatic illustration of diverse research outcomes.

Figure 2.

Distribution of therapeutics utilized by participants encountering pain.