ABSTRACT
The growing attention that is given to understanding the influence of culture on pain stems from a number of factors that go beyond intellectual curiosity. Growing public interest in the treatment and palliation of pain, advanced technology to manage symptoms, and an increasingly diverse consumer base all combine to prompt culturally mediated issues of whether to relieve pain, for whom, with whom, how, when, and under what circumstances. The national commitment to eliminate disparity in health care outcomes along with the fact that most persons suffering health inequity are culturally and linguistically distinct compels further understanding of the relationship between culture and pain. As evidenced by emerging research, policies, and professional statements on diversity and pain, it is clear that scholars, policy makers, and clinicians are hopeful that advancing understanding of how culture informs pain experiences will contribute to optimal pain-related interventions.
