Financial stress and pain, what follows an economic crisis? Integrative review

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Numerous epidemiological studies have investigated the relationships of socioeconomic factors and pain perception. These studies mainly emphasize issues related to family income. The impact of specific economic issues on the individual and their relationship to pain has not been well studied. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the impact of financial stress on pain symptoms, considering how it interacts and contributes to pain experience, regardless of its type and chronicity.

CONTENTS:

After pandemics, a global economic crisis often emerges, with relevant implications in populations’ health. An integrative review was carried out, with searches developed in Medline (via Pubmed), LILACS (via BVS), Scielo and PsycINFO databases, limited to Portuguese, Spanish and English languages, and no restriction for publication year. The PICO methodology was used to select descriptors from the research question. Selection and eligibility criteria were also established according to this strategy. The final review sample consisted of nine articles.

CONCLUSION:

This review identified that financial stress represents a risk factor for several pain-related parameters, such as the prevalence of chronic pain, intensity and frequency of pain, use of pain drugs and interference in daily activities. This is a fundamental issue, and its recognition can direct the professional to a broader and more effective treatment line.

Keywords:
Chronic pain; Economics; Pain; Psychological stress