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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Musculoskeletal Pain | Research

Exploring the burden, prevalence and associated factors of chronic musculoskeletal pain in migrants from North Africa and Middle East living in Europe: a scoping review

Authors: Maria-Nefeli Tsetseri, David J. Keene, Alan J. Silman, Stephanie G. Dakin

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Immigrants are exposed to numerous risk factors that may contribute to the development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Recent political and environmental crises in North Africa and the Middle East have led to an increase in immigration to Europe that has challenged the healthcare system and especially the management of chronic conditions.

Objective

The aims of this scoping review are to investigate the burden, prevalence, and associated factors of chronic musculoskeletal pain in immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East in Europe during the last decade. The intentions of the review are to inform healthcare policymakers, to identify gaps in the literature, and aid the planning of future research.

Design

Online databases Medline, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science were used to identify epidemiological studies published from2012–2022 examining chronic pain in populations from North Africa and the Middle East with a migration background residing in Europe.

Results

In total eleven studies were identified conducted in Norway (n = 3), Denmark (n = 3), Germany (n = 1), Austria (n = 1), Sweden (n = 1), and Switzerland (n = 1). Among the identified studies, eight studies were cross-sectional (n = 8), two were prospective cohort studies (n = 2) and one was a retrospective cohort study (n = 1). Data suggested that chronic pain is more prevalent, more widespread, and more severe in people with than without a migration background. Furthermore, immigrants who have resided in the destination country for a longer period experience a higher prevalence of chronic pain compared to those in the early phases of migration. The following factors were found to be associated with chronic pain in this population: female gender, lower education, financial hardship, being underweight or obese, time in transit during migration, experience of trauma, immigration status, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion

Several gaps in the literature were identified. Research is limited in terms of quantity and quality, does not reflect actual immigration trends, and does not account for immigration factors. Prospective cohort studies with long follow-ups would aid in improving prevention and management of chronic pain in populations with a migration background. In particular, they should reflect actual immigration trajectories, account for immigration factors, and have valid comparison groups in the countries of origin, transit and destination.
Appendix
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Footnotes
1
From countries of very high and low HDI.
 
2
From countries of very high and low HDI.
 
3
HDI is an important tool for measuring human well-being and addressing gender inequalities as it takes into account various dimensions beyond just economic factors, such as health and education.
 
4
Demographic, immigration and integration factors: age, education, marital status, employment, ethnicity, living conditions, Norwegian language proficiency, integration in Norway and in ethnic community, and years living in Norway.
 
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Metadata
Title
Exploring the burden, prevalence and associated factors of chronic musculoskeletal pain in migrants from North Africa and Middle East living in Europe: a scoping review
Authors
Maria-Nefeli Tsetseri
David J. Keene
Alan J. Silman
Stephanie G. Dakin
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-17542-2

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