Chronic pain experiences of immigrant Indian women in Canada: A photovoice exploration

Background Over the past two decades, the prevalence of chronic pain has significantly increased globally, with approximately 20% of the world's population living with pain. Although quantitative measures are useful in identifying pain prevalence and severity, qualitative methods, and especiall...

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Main Authors: Nida Mustafa (Author), Shreeyaa Ramana (Author), Margaret MacNeill (Author), Judy Watt-Watson (Author), Gillian Einstein (Author)
Format: Book
Published: Taylor & Francis Group, 2024-05-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:Background Over the past two decades, the prevalence of chronic pain has significantly increased globally, with approximately 20% of the world's population living with pain. Although quantitative measures are useful in identifying pain prevalence and severity, qualitative methods, and especially arts-based ones, are now receiving attention as a valuable means to understand lived experiences of pain. Photovoice is one such method that utilizes individuals' own photography to document their lived experiences.Aims The current study utilized an arts-based method to explore immigrant Indian women's chronic pain experiences in Canada and aimed to enhance the understanding of those experiences by creating a visual opportunity for them to share their stories.Methods Twelve immigrant Indian women captured photographs and participated in one-on-one interviews exploring daily experiences of chronic pain.Results Women's photographs, and description of these photographs, provided a visual entry into their lives and pain experiences. Three themes emerged from our analysis: (1) bodies in pain, (2) traversing spaces including immigration, and (3) pain management methods. Findings revealed that women's representations of pain were shaped by a clash between culturally shaped gender role expectations and changing gender norms due to immigration processes. The use of photovoice visually contextualized and represented pain experiences, proving to be a valuable tool for self-reflection.Conclusions This research uncovers the multifaceted nature of chronic pain and identifies the influence of immigration, gender, and social relations on the exacerbation of pain in immigrant Indian women.
Item Description:10.1080/24740527.2024.2390355
2474-0527