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Experiences of pain among Indigenous Peoples globally: A qualitative systematic review
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  • Madison Cachagee,
  • Annika Ramesh,
  • Sneha Sethi,
  • Dandara Haag,
  • Joanne Hedges,
  • Lisa Jamieson,
  • Brianna F. Poirier
Madison Cachagee
The University of Adelaide Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Annika Ramesh
The University of Adelaide Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
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Sneha Sethi
The University of Adelaide Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
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Dandara Haag
The University of Adelaide Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
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Joanne Hedges
The University of Adelaide Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
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Lisa Jamieson
The University of Adelaide Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
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Brianna F. Poirier
The University of Adelaide Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
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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.
09 Aug 2024Submitted to International Journal of Health Planning and Management
09 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
09 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
09 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
20 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned