A Qualitative Analysis of Pain Meaning: Results from the Oklahoma Study of Native American Pain Risk (OK-SNAP)

Abstract

Previous research has explored cultural differences concerning the prevalence, response, and treatment preferences of individuals experiencing pain. However, the meaning of these painful experiences has not been comprehensively examined. Research tends to generalize findings from predominantly European American samples and assume universality of their findings across cultures. Numerous studies have demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of physical pain in Native Americans (NA) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Because of this, it is important to consider whether our current understanding of painful experiences is indeed universal. To accomplish this, a semi-structured interview..