Meta-analysis of cultural differences in Western and Asian patient-perceived barriers to managing cancer pain

Abstract

Asian patients' perceived barriers to managing cancer pain were significantly higher than those for Western patients (especially for concerns about disease progression, tolerance, and fatalism). Asian cancer patients need to be assessed and carefully treated for perceived barriers to optimize cancer pain management.

Morphine: Patient Knowledge and Attitudes in the Central Anatolia Part of Turkey

“…These barriers can be classified into three categories: system, professional and patient barriers (Ward et al, 1993;Maltoni, 2008;Chen et al, 2012 ;Budkaew and Chumworathayi, 2013). Some of these barriers can be seen in Table 1.…”

Effects of Cultural Beliefs on Cancer Prevalence

“…9,10 Every culture has its own beliefs regarding to the treatment methods, health care provision and the disease itself, implying that different cultural groups have distinct and different perceptions on cancer risks, screening and diagnosis techniques, as well as, the trust on the institutions and professionals carrying out cancer therapies. 11 To add on this, cultural beliefs have a striking potential in explaining the health care disparities in cancer patients ranging from health care access to decisions on treatment alternatives available for cancer. 11,12,13 Ideally, cultural groups may have indifferent perceptions and beliefs when it comes to radiology treatments or surgeries for cancer patients -beliefs that might come from religious practices or traditional remedies which discourage modernized treatment methods.…”

“…11 To add on this, cultural beliefs have a striking potential in explaining the health care disparities in cancer patients ranging from health care access to decisions on treatment alternatives available for cancer. 11,12,13 Ideally, cultural groups may have indifferent perceptions and beliefs when it comes to radiology treatments or surgeries for cancer patients -beliefs that might come from religious practices or traditional remedies which discourage modernized treatment methods. 11 Additionally, other cultural minority groups such as the Hispanics and the blacks are identified to rely heavily on high proteins and fatty diets -and part of these proteins are susceptible to cancerous cells.…”

“…11,12,13 Ideally, cultural groups may have indifferent perceptions and beliefs when it comes to radiology treatments or surgeries for cancer patients -beliefs that might come from religious practices or traditional remedies which discourage modernized treatment methods. 11 Additionally, other cultural minority groups such as the Hispanics and the blacks are identified to rely heavily on high proteins and fatty diets -and part of these proteins are susceptible to cancerous cells. 13 On the other hand, when it comes to issues related to genetic or biological etiology, cultural beliefs may not accredit or acknowledge the ideas that cancer is inherited while other beliefs on different therapies are unhealthy.…”

“…For instance, the Africans have the highest chance in developing cancer from their beliefs set formulated from historical contexts of immigration, segregation and the fact that they belong to a minority group -they are part of the disadvantaged groups in America. 8,[9][10][11][12]14 Such a culture factor has bestowed them with less power to seek for high income jobs which can give them potential purchasing power to access cancer health care. On the other hand, the fact such minorities are less advantaged over the years, it has become hard to access health education -indicting that the lack of income and relevant health education which results from cultural beliefs undermine personal willpower to live healthy especially for people in these groups.…”