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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Treatment seeking behaviour in southern Chinese elders with chronic orofacial pain: a qualitative study

Authors: Teresa SY Au, May CM Wong, Anne S McMillan, Susan Bridges, Colman McGrath

Published in: BMC Oral Health | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Chronic orofacial pain (OFP) is common in general adult populations worldwide. High levels of psychological distress and impaired coping abilities are common among Western people with chronic OFP but limited information was found in southern Chinese people. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of community dwelling elderly people with chronic OFP symptoms and their treatment seeking behaviour in Hong Kong.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative interview study was conducted. Elderly people experiencing chronic OFP symptoms were invited to take part in an individual semi-structured interview. A total of 25 semi-structured interviews were performed for 25 participants.

Results

Pertinent issues relating to the treatment seeking behaviour emerged from the interviews, many of which were inter-related and overlapping. They were organized into three major themes: (i) Impact of chronic OFP on daily life; (ii) Personal knowledge and feeling of chronic OFP; (iii) Management of chronic OFP. The participants were found to have the intention to seek professional treatment, but there were barriers which discouraged them continuing to seek professional treatment. They also received complementary treatment for chronic OFP, such as acupuncture, massage and “chi kung”. Moreover, a wide range self-management techniques were also mentioned. On the other hand, those who did not seek professional treatment for the chronic OFP claimed that they had accepted or adapted to the pain as part of their lives.

Conclusions

This qualitative study observed that elderly people affected by chronic OFP symptoms in Hong Kong sought many different ways to manage their pain including traditional and complementary approaches. The role of the dentist in dealing with chronic OFP is unclear. Multiple barriers exist to accessing care for chronic OFP. The findings may be used to inform future chronic OFP management strategies in Hong Kong.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6831/14/8/prepub

Title: Treatment seeking behaviour in southern Chinese elders with chronic orofacial pain: a qualitative study
Authors: Teresa SY Au
May CM Wong
Anne S McMillan
Susan Bridges
Colman McGrath
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Oral Health / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6831
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6831-14-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Treatment seeking behaviour in southern Chinese elders with chronic orofacial pain: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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