Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
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Comparative Study
Identification and validation of Brazilian chronic pain descriptors.
Appropriate pain assessment is very important for managing chronic pain. Given the cultural differences in verbally expressing pain and in psychosocial problems, specific tools are needed. The goal of this study was to identify and validate Brazilian pain descriptors. ⋯ Results reinforced that the translations of word descriptors and research tools into another language may be inappropriate, owing to differences in perception and communication and the inadequacy of exact translations to reflect the intended meaning. Given the complexity of the chronic pain, personal suffering involved, and the need for accurate assessment of chronic pain using descriptors stemming from Brazilian culture and language, it is essential to investigate the most adequate words to describe chronic pain. Although it requires more refinement, the Brazilian chronic pain descriptors can be used further to develop a multidimensional pain assessment tool that is culturally sensitive.
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In recent years, the number of Somali persons treated in the U. S. has increased significantly. Understanding the concepts of pain and pain expression is an important aspect of nursing care. ⋯ The results show that pain expression for Somali women include verbal expressions that may be unique to the Somali culture. The results are helpful in developing a tool that can be used by others working with Somali women who are experiencing pain. Implications for improving transcultural nursing care, including pain assessment, management, and patient education are summarized.