Understanding pain experiences in individuals with developmental disabilities in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative...

Research is limited on presenting optimal insights into the pain experiences of individuals with development disabilities (DD). Due to the group's insufficient communication skills, experts find it challenging to accurately assess pain. As a result, individuals with DDs often encounter the consequences of undiagnosed pain. A similar risk tends to increase in certain countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), considering the impact of distinct cultural and social characteristics that define pain experiences. This qualitative research, utilizing an exploratory research design and an interpretivist research philosophy, aims to critically examine pain experiences in individuals with DDs in Saudi Arabia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 healthcare professionals, family caregivers, physiotherapists, and special education teachers. Important themes identified in the current research include diverse pain interpretations, the implications of persistent behavioral changes, challenges in identifying different types of pain, pain management as an ongoing, context-specific process, and systemic and cultural factors that determine pain management in individuals with DDs in KSA. A relevant aspect emerging in the study is associated with comprehending the varied nuances of pain experiences of individuals with DDs.