Health and illness beliefs regarding pain and pain management of New Zealand resident Samoan community leaders: A qualitative interpretive study based on Pasifika paradigms

Issue AddressedEthnic disparities in chronic pain exist in Aotearoa New Zealand, including a greater impact of pain, less access to chronic pain services and less benefit from treatment for Pasifika people. This study investigated Samoan health perceptions and beliefs in relation to pain and how it is managed.MethodsAn interpretive descriptive study was undertaken involving interviews with nine Samoan key informants from Aotearoa New Zealand. Interviews explored their beliefs in relation to interpretations of pain and experiences of and preferences for pain management. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour main themes were constructed from the data. Pain is interpreted holistically described the attribution of pain to many causes, without limitation to physiological explanations. Stoicism is a character virtue described the predominant belief that pain should be endured without display or complaint. Strength in connectivity described the inherent pain coping strategies that are present within Samoan communities. To improve healthcare is to nurture va described the disconnect Samoan people feel from healthcare services and the need to foster relationships to improve health delivery.ConclusionsSamoan people have beliefs and perceptions about pain and its management that extend beyond traditional Western interpretations. While pain is often endured using traditional strengths within the 'aiga (family) and community, the Samoan community faces challenges in receiving healthcare from mainstream pain services.So What?Clinicians need to foster stronger relationships with Samoan individuals and their 'aiga and appreciate the wider psychosocial context of pain, including spirituality.