Perceptions of stigma associated with chronic knee pain: voices of selected women in Thailand and Malaysia
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
09593985
eISSN
15325040
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85188436955
Journal Title
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice (2024)
Suggested Citation
Danes-Daetz C., Wainwright J.P., Goh S.L., McGuire K., Sinsurin K., Richards J., Chohan A. Perceptions of stigma associated with chronic knee pain: voices of selected women in Thailand and Malaysia. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice (2024). doi:10.1080/09593985.2024.2329942 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/97797
Title
Perceptions of stigma associated with chronic knee pain: voices of selected women in Thailand and Malaysia
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Introduction: A higher prevalence of knee pain in Southeast Asian countries, compared with non-Asian countries, is an established fact. This article hypothesizes that this fact, combined with personal, cultural, and environmental factors, may influence attitudes toward illness and treatment-seeking behavior and adherence. Objective: This study aimed to determine current attitudes, stigma, and barriers of women to the management of chronic knee pain and treatment in two Southeast Asian countries. Methods: Fourteen semi-structured interviews explored female lived perceptions of chronic knee pain in Southeast Asia. Using a phenomenological reduction process, open-ended questions allowed participants to voice their perceptions of their experience of this knee condition. Particular foci were potential stigma associated with the perceptions of others, health-seeking attitudes, and attitudes toward exercise. Results: The shared experiences of managing chronic knee pain revealed the impact of their condition on participants’ normality of life and their struggles with pain, limitations, and fear for the future. Key individual, interpersonal, organizational and community barriers and facilitators impacted the health seeking attitudes and engagement with conservative rehabilitation programmes. Conclusion: Improved socio-cultural competency and consideration for an individuals’ intersectional identity and interpersonal relationships are key to designing rehabilitation and conservative management solutions. Co-creating alternative pathways for rehabilitation for individuals that are more distant from health facilities may help reduce socio-cultural barriers at a community level.