Feasibility of an online health intervention for Latinas with chronic pain

Chronic pain is a common health problem in the United States, and it is associated with numerous physical and mental health issues. Disparities in pain treatment are high for particular populations, including Latinos, who comprise a significant percent of the U.S.

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an online health education intervention for Spanish-speaking Latinas with chronic pain. The intervention was developed based on a biopsychosocial approach to treatment and targeted multiple domains including exercise, psychological wellbeing, regaining function, emotional wellbeing, sleep hygiene, and stress management.

Through a mixed-method, single-arm design, this pilot study examined patients' and providers' acceptability of and satisfaction with the intervention, as well as the impact of the intervention on patients' knowledge, chronic pain self-efficacy, pain severity, and pain interference (measured pre and post intervention).

Both chronic pain patients (n = 40) and provider participants (n = 10) reported high rates of participation, and high ratings for website features and website content. Patient participants also experienced a significant increase in knowledge regarding pain management and treatment options, and in chronic pain self-efficacy, as well as a significant decrease in pain interference. Although means for pain severity were lower at the posttest session, this change was not significant.

Overall, results indicate that an online educational intervention that targets Spanish-speaking Latinas with chronic pain is feasible, potentially impactful, and that there is a need for such interventions. Recommendations include additional content and interactive features that could improve satisfaction, engagement, and impact. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).