A qualitative study of workers with chronic pain in Brazil and its social consequences

Abstract

Chronic pain contributes towards less diversified participation centred on household activities, fewer social relationships and smaller number of recreational activities. The aim of the study was to further investigate the effects of chronic pain on participation, focusing on how workers deal with the experienced restrictions. Ten workers with chronic pain participated in the survey, which was conducted with qualitative interviews. Analyses of thematic units revealed that chronic pain has consequences for participation, leading to work restrictions and loss of social roles. Social relationships tend to be limited to family, and workers become isolated from other social groups. The rebuilding of participants' lives was a counterpoint to the identified social rupture. The narratives revealed strategies for dealing with pain, attempts at reorganizing their daily activities and formulating new plans. Understanding what resources individuals use to cope with their difficulties allow occupational therapists to plan client-centred treatment goals. A limitation of the study was to involve employees of very similar socio-economic classes. Studies directed to understanding the relationship between social support and the reconstruction of participation must be conducted to further advance knowledge on possible mechanisms underlying social participation among workers with chronic pain.

Patients’ experiences of chronic non-malignant musculoskeletal pain: a qualitative systematic review

“…The team members did not agree over 24 papers and sent these to two other team members for a decision. Sixteen studies were excluded after quality appraisal, [44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59] hence 77 papers were included reporting 60 studies. These studies explored the experiences of 1168 adults ranging from 18 to 91 years of age.…”

A influência do afastamento do trabalho na percepção de saúde e qualidade de vida de indivíduos adultos

“…The absence of work leads the worker to rely on third parties for their livelihood, in addition to feelings of failure and low productivity 8 . A qualitative study with workers in rehabilitation process showed that leaves, unemployment, or retirement can cause suffering associated with the loss of the social role as a worker 9 . Thus, the restriction of labor activities influences the quality of life, with the individual outside the labor market being also excluded from other social networks, and inserted into a vulnerabilization path 4 .…”

Psychosocial job factors and chronic pain: analysis in two municipal schools in Serrana/SP

“…Chronic pain may lead to changes in lifestyle, drug dependence, social isolation, impairment of identity and selfesteem. In this process, some occupational roles are impaired and individuals may develop a feeling of inutility 4 . Other consequences of chronic pain are emotional changes, difficulty to perform daily activities 5 , difficulties at work which may lead to medical leave, unemployment or retirement and, as consequence, distress for losing their role as ORIGINAL ARTICLE DOI 10.5935/1806-0013.20160064 workers 4,6 .…”

“…In this process, some occupational roles are impaired and individuals may develop a feeling of inutility 4 . Other consequences of chronic pain are emotional changes, difficulty to perform daily activities 5 , difficulties at work which may lead to medical leave, unemployment or retirement and, as consequence, distress for losing their role as ORIGINAL ARTICLE DOI 10.5935/1806-0013.20160064 workers 4,6 . A study carried out in Salvador has shown that 41.4% of its population suffer with chronic pain and that the highest prevalence is among middle-aged adults (40 to 49 years old) 7 .…”