Related Experiment Videos
Effects of culture on back pain in Australian aboriginals
1Tel HaShomer, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Study Design:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted.
Objectives:
To describe the occurrence of back pain and associated behaviors and disabilities in a semitraditional Australian aboriginal community.
Summary Of Background Data:
There are few studies of back pain in isolated and nonindustrial societies.
Methods:
The authors lived with, observed, and interviewed most adult members of a small aboriginal community and placed information about spinal pain in context of aboriginal beliefs and practices.
Results:
Nearly half the adults in this community experienced long-term private spinal pain, but because of their cultural beliefs, did not commonly make this pain public.
Conclusions:
Cultural beliefs and practices influence how people respond to back pain in themselves and in others, including how and whether they present to health professionals or seek involvement of others.