Document Type : Original Article
Authors
KM Shah Dental college and Hospital
Abstract
Background
Chronic Orofacial pain (OFP) is a serious public health issue that significantly affects the quality of life of patients leading to anxiety, anger and depression. Previous studies have focused on quantitative assessment of pain but very few studies have addressed the quality of life in these patients. In order to explain or understand the phenomenon under study, qualitative research uses a naturalistic and interpretive method to study the human experience. This study aimed to assess patient experiences with chronic OFP .
Methods
This qualitative study was conducted on 16 patients with chronic OFP. The phenomenology methodological theory was followed, which prioritizes the subjective experience of the individual. The individual experiences of patients with chronic OFP were studied by conducting in-depth interviews. Open ended questions regarding experiences of their symptoms and treatments and living with OFP were enquired. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. The themes were mapped affecting the biomedical, psychological and social factors. After thematic analysis of data and coding, quotes were generated.
Results
In this qualitative study on chronic OFP we identified several themes and subthemes. Deprivation of social contacts caused helplessness, disbelief by family members and loss of employment. Adverse effect on cognition resulted in lack of coping mechanisms , physical agony, and inability to perform routine activities. Disbelief in health care system was a major agony due to prolonged use of medication, multiple referrals and lack of empathy by physicians .
Conclusion
The qualitative research provided an in-depth analysis of patients’ experience of living with chronic orofacial pain. Several factors like cognition, social and cultural background can alter the pain coping mechanism. Effective treatment protocols including cognitive behavioural therapy, lifestyle modifications and alternative treatment modalities for holistic healing, occupational therapies and referral to pain specialists can be provided to the patient .
Keywords
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