Youngsters' perceptions of the experience of pain and utilisation of over‐the‐counter pain medication as needed in community: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose Pain is common in youngsters. No matter its nature, youngsters' consideration of pain is complex since its communications vary as a function of several components. The aim of this study is to explore the youngsters' perception linked to their experience of physiological pain at the home/family setting, as well as their experience with the utilisation of over‐the‐counter pain medication as needed. Design and methods A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken with 22 youngsters aged 5–17 years old. Semidirected interviews led to the understanding of these components by means of the pain experiences. Thematic analysis allowed the detection of the themes and subthemes emerging from the verbatim collected with the participants. Results The way pain is described is influenced by the child's development, previous experiences, and the projection of having pain. The pain communication is influenced by the severity perceived, the beliefs of the youngster experiencing pain, the comparison of the pain communication with his brothers and sisters, as well as the anticipated consequences of expressing his pain. The choice of behaviour towards pain is influenced by self‐management through nonpharmacological management, with medicines if needed, and by family modelization. Practice implications This study confirms that previous pain experiences, beliefs related to pain tolerance and intended reactions of parents exert influence not only on the communication of pain, but also on youngsters' behaviour towards pain. It is important to consider these elements whenever youngsters' pain is evaluated.

Children and pain: Assessment and management according to parents' perspective

“…Furthermore, this study has demonstrated that the role of siblings in the expression of pain by children does not seem to be considered by parents when they are evaluating their children's pain, as we did not find any verbatim evidence of such a topic from the parents interviewed. Yet interviews with youngsters aged 5-17 conducted by Ndengeyingoma et al (2021) showed that perceptions of pain tolerance and pain tolerance competition can occur among siblings. Hence, a child's modeling behavior of not only their parents but also of their siblings can interfere with the parent's interpretation of the child's pain.…”

“…Nonetheless, it is possible that these methods are not adapted to every situation. Parents who report relying on experience and testimony could partly explain why some parents tend to wait for the pain to get worse before administering analgesics to their child (Ndengeyingoma et al, 2021). In addition, parents reported that following nonpharmacological methods to relieve pain, they will often re-evaluate the intensity of the pain.…”

“…Different studies conducted with youth report that characteristics such as age (Ndengeyingoma et al, 2021; Palermo et al, 2014) and gender (LeResche et al, 2005; Vierhausl et al, 2011) influence the expression of pain by children. This study's results show that parents do not consistently account for the potential impact of age‐related developmental influences or gender into consideration when they evaluate the pain felt by the child.…”

“…The same study reveals that apart from the apprehension of their parent's reaction, children will not mention they are in pain when they perceive that their parents endure their own pain without acting on it. Therefore, when children's perceptions regarding their pain are not taken into consideration by their parents, the pain can be misinterpreted and mismanaged (Ndengeyingoma et al, 2021). A parent's evaluation of pain is also influenced by many factors.…”

“…Researchers report that children do not always tell their parents that they are experiencing pain, but parents believe their children do (Batista et al, 2012; Zisk et al, 2007). Results from a study by Ndengeyingoma et al (2021) conducted with 22 children aged 6–17 years old show that children do not express their pain to their parents if they fear being reprimanded, if they are ashamed of complaining about pain while still being able to do their favorite activities, or if they think they are bothering or worrying their parents who work a lot. The same study reveals that apart from the apprehension of their parent's reaction, children will not mention they are in pain when they perceive that their parents endure their own pain without acting on it.…”