Socioeconomic Factors in Pain Kevin Pang

Focus Looking at how members of low socioeconomic status perceive, express, and experience pain Looking at how members of low socioeconomic status perceive, express, and experience pain

Hypothesis Poor people are subjected to more pain in their lives due to their socioeconomic standing Poor people are subjected to more pain in their lives due to their socioeconomic standing Poor people are less expressive about their pain Poor people are less expressive about their pain

Justification Physical laborers endure more and express less pain due to the nature of their jobs Physical laborers endure more and express less pain due to the nature of their jobs Poor people do not have access to the same knowledge about medical treatment Poor people do not have access to the same knowledge about medical treatment Poor people do not have the funds to afford said medical treatment Poor people do not have the funds to afford said medical treatment Poor people are exposed to health risks such as dirty water, poor diet, and unsanitary living conditions Poor people are exposed to health risks such as dirty water, poor diet, and unsanitary living conditions

Case Studies / Papers Glasgow case study – found that people of lower socioeconomic status were less informed about medical treatment and felt more vulnerable to illness because of it. Glasgow case study – found that people of lower socioeconomic status were less informed about medical treatment and felt more vulnerable to illness because of it. Norway case study – found a link between socioeconomic status and the risk for developing chronic/disabling back pain. Norway case study – found a link between socioeconomic status and the risk for developing chronic/disabling back pain.

Cast Studies / Papers (contd) Denial of Chronic Pain paper – suggested that people of lower socioeconomic status who were poorly educated, lacked transferable skills, and performed heavy or repetitive physical labor would be less likely to express their pain. Denial of Chronic Pain paper – suggested that people of lower socioeconomic status who were poorly educated, lacked transferable skills, and performed heavy or repetitive physical labor would be less likely to express their pain. Socioeconomic Status and Health paper – States that socioeconomic status directly influences how much pain a person endures in their life. Socioeconomic Status and Health paper – States that socioeconomic status directly influences how much pain a person endures in their life.

Conclusions Hypothesis was backed by case studies and papers. Hypothesis was backed by case studies and papers. Socioeconomic status has an effect on the pain experience. Socioeconomic status has an effect on the pain experience. The poor are exposed to health risks and are frequently under treated because of their financial difficulties. The poor are exposed to health risks and are frequently under treated because of their financial difficulties. Society should take a closer look at socioeconomic policies if it wishes to address this health issue. Society should take a closer look at socioeconomic policies if it wishes to address this health issue.