Experiences and impact of chronic pain in South Africans living in a rural area: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Previous work in South Africans living with HIV and chronic pain has raised questions regarding maintained levels of physical activity while in pain, patterns of pain disclosure and recruitment of social support. Recent data suggest that pain in people living with HIV may be more due to issues of poverty rather than HIV. We explored how South Africans with chronic pain living in a rural area: (1) understand and experience chronic pain, (2) how chronic pain affects activity levels and (3) the relationship between pain disclosure and social support.

Design

We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews. Transcripts were analysed using thematic data analysis.

Setting

The Ndlovu Care Group Research Centre in the rural Elandsdoorn, Dennilton area in

SUBMITTER: Mulaudzi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12742062 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature