Abstract
BackgroundChronic orofacial pain (OFP) is common in general adult populations worldwide. High levels of psychological distress and impaired coping abilities are common among Western people with chronic OFP but limited information was found in southern Chinese people. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of community dwelling elderly people with chronic OFP symptoms and their treatment seeking behaviour in Hong Kong.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative interview study was conducted. Elderly people experiencing chronic OFP symptoms were invited to take part in an individual semi-structured interview. A total of 25 semi-structured interviews were performed for 25 participants.ResultsPertinent issues relating to the treatment seeking behaviour emerged from the interviews, many of which were inter-related and overlapping. They were organized into three major themes: (i) Impact of chronic OFP on daily life; (ii) Personal knowledge and feeling of chronic OFP; (iii) Management of chronic OFP. The participants were found to have the intention to seek professional treatment, but there were barriers which discouraged them continuing to seek professional treatment. They also received complementary treatment for chronic OFP, such as acupuncture, massage and “chi kung”. Moreover, a wide range self-management techniques were also mentioned. On the other hand, those who did not seek professional treatment for the chronic OFP claimed that they had accepted or adapted to the pain as part of their lives.ConclusionsThis qualitative study observed that elderly people affected by chronic OFP symptoms in Hong Kong sought many different ways to manage their pain including traditional and complementary approaches. The role of the dentist in dealing with chronic OFP is unclear. Multiple barriers exist to accessing care for chronic OFP. The findings may be used to inform future chronic OFP management strategies in Hong Kong.
Highlights
Chronic orofacial pain (OFP) is common in general adult populations worldwide
Chronic OFP is common in general adult populations worldwide with prevalence estimates ranging from 1442% [4,5,6,7,8]
The intra-oral locations for chronic OFP were in the tongue or buccal mucosa
Summary
Chronic orofacial pain (OFP) is common in general adult populations worldwide. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of community dwelling elderly people with chronic OFP symptoms and their treatment seeking behaviour in Hong Kong. Chronic OFP is common in general adult populations worldwide with prevalence estimates ranging from 1442% [4,5,6,7,8]. Chronic OFP affects approximately 10% of adults and is more common in the elderly where 50% or more may be affected [13]. Experience of chronic OFP in the elderly has been found to vary between ethnic groups and appears to be more common in Asian elders [14,15]. The impact of chronic OFP seems to vary between ethnic groups.
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