Stigma Experiences in Persons with Non-Malignant Chronic Pain

Aim.  The aim of this presentation is to discuss the invisible stigma shared by a group of Mexican- American women with chronic pain.

 Background:  Those who share a common illness can be considered cultural subgroups, with beliefs and values influencing their health-related behaviors toward the common illness.  Through the use of ethnographic research findings, providers can enhance their own cultural competence related to specific illnesses. Cultural constructions surrounding the shared experience of stigmatizing experiences in the chronic pain condition will be presented.

 Method.  The study employed a focused ethnographic approach using interview data, participant observations, and fieldwork. Field data were generated from a pain support group and pain management clinic. 

 Findings. Stigmatizing situations included protocols for taking pain medication, inability to carry out gendered role functions, and having an illness that does not fit into the medical model. These areas all caused stress for participants, yet were not discussed with providers.

 Conclusions. Ethnographic research, tailored to increase understanding about those sharing a cultural subgroup of a common medical condition, can enhance provider cultural competence. Use of these finding allow focused guidance and coaching related to stigmatizing experiences.