Experiences of pain among Indigenous Peoples globally: A qualitative
systematic review
Abstract
Background: Indigenous Peoples continue to face colonisation and
oppressive policies that intentionally disrupt their ways of life and
wellbeing. The increased experience of disease for Indigenous Peoples,
due to colonial processes, is confounded by immense difficulties
accessing culturally secure healthcare. The experience of pain for
Indigenous Peoples within this unjust socio-political context
encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental pain.
Objective: This systematic review aims to explore factors
related to the experience of pain for Indigenous Peoples globally.
Search Strategy: Four databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and
Web of Science were searched utilising a pre-established search strategy
to identify qualitative papers that focused on experiences and
understandings of pain among global Indigenous Communities. Data
extraction and synthesis: Two independent reviewers performed title,
abstract and full text screening, which resulted in the inclusion of 26
papers. Data extraction and synthesis was done in two stages which
involved grouping illustrations from papers into categories, and then
into five overarching synthesised findings. Main results: The
synthesised findings aligned with social ecological theories and
included: intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural
levels. For Indigenous Peoples, pain is situated within a complex
network of social, historical, and political determinants of health.
Discussion: The creation of a judgment-free space,
accessibility of traditional healing practices and a greater inclusion
of family and Community throughout treatment processes were identified
as facilitators to care for Indigenous Peoples experiencing pain.
Conclusion: By ascertaining and prioritising patient desires
throughout the pain management experiences, practitioners can actualise
self-determination of patient wellbeing and ensure provision of
culturally respectful and comprehensive care.