Volume 16, Issue 2 (March & April-In Press 2026)
J Research Health 2026, 16(2): 7-7 |
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Ethics code: KEC.2024.03C10
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Billieux J, Batthyany K, Saadati N, Rostami M, Wilson A, Longo V et al . Chronic Pain Management Experiences in Immigrant Populations: A Qualitative Study. J Research Health 2026; 16 (2) :7-7
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2772-en.html
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2772-en.html
Joel Billieux1 
, Karina Batthyany2 , Nadereh Saadati3 , Mehdi Rostami4 , Abbie Wilson5 , Veronica Longo6 , Bridget Abalorio7
, Karina Batthyany2 , Nadereh Saadati3 , Mehdi Rostami4 , Abbie Wilson5 , Veronica Longo6 , Bridget Abalorio7
1- Institute for Behavioural Addictions, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Austria
2- Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
3- Department of Psychology and Counseling, KMAN Research Institute, Richmond Hill, Canada & Department of Rehabilitation, York Rehab Clinic, Toronto, Canada ,nsaadati@kmanresce.ca
4- Department of Psychology and Counseling, KMAN Research Institute, Richmond Hill, Canada & Department of Rehabilitation, York Rehab Clinic, Toronto, Canada
5- Department of Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
6- Rehabilitation Department, York Rehab Clinic, Toronto, Canada
7- Faculty of Psychology, Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, Lima, Peru
2- Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
3- Department of Psychology and Counseling, KMAN Research Institute, Richmond Hill, Canada & Department of Rehabilitation, York Rehab Clinic, Toronto, Canada ,
4- Department of Psychology and Counseling, KMAN Research Institute, Richmond Hill, Canada & Department of Rehabilitation, York Rehab Clinic, Toronto, Canada
5- Department of Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
6- Rehabilitation Department, York Rehab Clinic, Toronto, Canada
7- Faculty of Psychology, Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, Lima, Peru
Abstract: (14 Views)
Background: Chronic pain among immigrants is shaped by a dynamic interplay of cultural beliefs, systemic inequities, and individualized coping. This study explored how immigrants living in Richmond Hill conceptualize and manage chronic pain and how those meanings connect to access, coping, and care experiences.
Methods: It is a qualitative descriptive-phenomenological study conducted in Richmond Hill, Canada. This study utilized purposive maximum-variation sampling and semi-structured interviews with 26 immigrant adults aged ≥30 years living with chronic pain ≥6 months. Data were thematically analyzed in NVivo; credibility was supported by peer debriefing and member checking.
Results: Participants (65% women; mean age = 37.4) represented eight countries, with 62% residing in Canada for over five years. Four interrelated themes were identified: (1) Cultural interpretations of pain—often viewed as a moral or spiritual test—led to self-silencing and delayed help-seeking; (2) Systemic barriers such as language gaps, financial constraints, and discrimination eroded trust and hindered access; (3) Coping and adaptation relied on religious rituals, home remedies, and ethno-cultural networks, which sometimes replaced formal care; and (4) Healthcare encounters varied between supportive communication and stereotyping, influencing trust and engagement. These interactions formed a cyclical relationship linking cultural framing, systemic barriers, and care responsiveness.
Conclusion: Improving immigrant pain care requires routine interpreter use, cross-cultural provider training, integration of acceptable coping practices, and reduction of financial and navigation barriers.
Methods: It is a qualitative descriptive-phenomenological study conducted in Richmond Hill, Canada. This study utilized purposive maximum-variation sampling and semi-structured interviews with 26 immigrant adults aged ≥30 years living with chronic pain ≥6 months. Data were thematically analyzed in NVivo; credibility was supported by peer debriefing and member checking.
Results: Participants (65% women; mean age = 37.4) represented eight countries, with 62% residing in Canada for over five years. Four interrelated themes were identified: (1) Cultural interpretations of pain—often viewed as a moral or spiritual test—led to self-silencing and delayed help-seeking; (2) Systemic barriers such as language gaps, financial constraints, and discrimination eroded trust and hindered access; (3) Coping and adaptation relied on religious rituals, home remedies, and ethno-cultural networks, which sometimes replaced formal care; and (4) Healthcare encounters varied between supportive communication and stereotyping, influencing trust and engagement. These interactions formed a cyclical relationship linking cultural framing, systemic barriers, and care responsiveness.
Conclusion: Improving immigrant pain care requires routine interpreter use, cross-cultural provider training, integration of acceptable coping practices, and reduction of financial and navigation barriers.
Type of Study: Orginal Article |
Subject:
● Health Education
Received: 2025/03/31 | Accepted: 2025/11/22 | Published: 2026/03/21
Received: 2025/03/31 | Accepted: 2025/11/22 | Published: 2026/03/21
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