ABSTRACT
Successful pain management in patients with cancer is a significant challenge, and paying more attention to patients' experiences of pain self-management strategies has particular importance. This study aimed to explore pain self-management strategies in Iranian patients with cancer. This qualitative study was conducted on 14 patients with cancer. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed through the Graneheim and Lundman content analysis approach. Two main categories emerged from data analysis: (1) psychological pain self-management strategies, and (2) behavioral pain self-management strategies. Psychological strategies included pain distraction techniques, spiritual tendencies, increasing social interactions and support networks, pain tolerance and self-control, and resistance to pain. Behavioral strategies included massage and touch, heat and cold therapy, opium (Taryak in Persian) and tobacco use, herbal and home remedies, and proper diet.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Self-Management , Humans , Pain Management/methods , Iran , Pain/psychology , Qualitative Research , Neoplasms/complications , Neoplasms/therapyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the cancer pain experiences of Iranian patients. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive design was used. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study was performed on 17 participants between December 2020 and September 2021. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed by Graneheim and Lundman's content analysis method. RESULTS: Three main categories emerged in relation to patients' experiences of cancer pain. Categories included (1) characteristics of cancer pain, (2) pain self-management strategies, and (3) influence of pain on patient and her/his family. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients believe that pain is God's will, and family members, doctors, and nurses can assist patients cope with pain by respecting this belief and supporting spiritual healing. Strengthening pain management strategies, expanding social networks, and convincing the patients that they are not an interruption to their families can all help patients maintain their fighting spirit and pain tolerance. To provide holistic care, healthcare providers, particularly nurses, should consider the physical, sociocultural, and spiritual aspects of cancer pain.