title: American Indians' response to physical pain: functional limitations and help-seeking behaviors.
abstract: Seventy-five American Indians, ages 25 to 84, representing 14 tribal nations, participated in this study. The historical, cultural, and behavioral responses to physical pain were examined. Data were collected over a 7-month period with a survey instrument that included the Universal Pain Scale, activities of daily living, causes of pain, cultural beliefs, and self-help-seeking behaviors. Also, recommendations for Western biomedical health care professionals are offered to improve services for the American Indian population. Findings demonstrate that culture plays a crucial role in wellness and significantly affects help-seeking behaviors, treatment regimens, responses to pain, and pain management.
authors.affiliation: a School of Social Work , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Cross
authors.affiliation: b School of Social Work , Wayne State University , Detroit , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Angelique G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Day
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D000066505:Help-Seeking Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States
keywords: American Indians; critical race theory; cultural pain response; disability; ethnic minorities; health care; health promotion; medical model; pain management; rehabilitation; self-determination; traditional native healing