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Practices Surrounding Pain Management Among American Indians and Alaska Natives in Rural Southern California: An Exploratory Study
Author(s) -
Luna Juan A.A.,
Moore Roland S.,
Calac Daniel J.,
Grube Joel W.,
McGaffigan Richard P.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.439
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1748-0361
pISSN - 0890-765X
DOI - 10.1111/jrh.12327
Subject(s) - medicine , logistic regression , exploratory research , pain management , medical prescription , family medicine , culturally sensitive , culturally appropriate , gerontology , geography , nursing , psychology , physical therapy , sociology , social psychology , anthropology
Abstract Objectives This exploratory study examined pain management practices among American Indians and Alaska Natives in the service area of a rural tribal clinic in Southern California. Methods Researchers invited 325 individuals to complete an anonymous survey in clinic waiting rooms and tribal gatherings. Analyses of the 295 eligible responses included calculating frequencies and conducting multiple logistic regressions and a Mantel‐Haenszel analysis. Results Among respondents in this study, being male, younger, and having less education were strong predictors for riskier methods for managing pain. Conclusions Understanding the methods individuals use to manage pain in a rural setting constitute a stepping‐stone to develop strategies for reducing and preventing misuse and abuse of prescription medications and other drugs in rural American Indian and Alaska Native communities.