P0293 - Impact of culture on male and female patients coping with pain

Abstract

Aim:

To investigate cultural differences on types of coping strategies employed by male and female patients.

Method:

72 Chronic pain patients were selected over 18 months. Patients were screened out if they had any physical disability or were getting psychiatric treatment. Besides demographic data, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Coping Strategies Questionnaire and Berlin Social-Support Scales were employed to record the study variables. Age range of patients varied from 25- 58 years. All the patients were educated, working and belonged to middle class.

Results:

Out of 72 patients (40 females: 32 males) 78% patients had impaired physical functioning. Perception of pain depended upon the age, sex, amount of perceived social support and contact with the treating doctor. Females frequently employed “religious coping” (95%) and used “self statements” (80%); as opposed to males who relied on “ignoring the sensations” (88%) and “increasing behavioral activities” (65%). None “diverted attention” through the ways they thought were not religious or culture appropriate.

Discussion:

The study reflected the cultural differences in type of coping strategy employed by a given patient. Female patients were somatically- focused but only 35% met the criteria for Somatization Disorder. Male patients employed techniques that allowed their control on the environment and illness whereas females patients relied on techniques that were passive in nature. Learning to live with a chronic pain is quite challenging for women who are feeling-oriented and look up to men not only to fulfill their needs but to get social approval in the context of Pakistani society.