Report from China social and ethical influence of some pain: the causes of lower incidences of some pain syndromes in Chinese people.

Abstract

Western studies of national differences in pain have indicated that pain tolerance is higher in white than in Asian patients. The authors' clinical experiences in China seem to contradict this conclusion, and they have investigated the incidence or prevalence of some pain syndromes and have made comparisons with Western data. Their findings show that the incidence of most pain syndromes is lower in China than in Western countries. Hu and Fang argue that social and ethical factors have an important influence on pain tolerance. They identify four factors affecting pain tolerance in Chinese patients: (1) Chinese are less alienated from nature than are people in developed countries; (2) traditional teachings emphasize composure and rationality over emotion; (3) a state-provided health insurance system lessens anxiety; and (4) a different practice of medical ethics does not include disclosure and informed consent.