Caracterização da dor e percepção dos cuidados em saúde em mulheres pretas e pardas brasileiras: estudo transversal

Abstract

Introduction: Pain can be considered an indicator of suffering, signaling potential damage or injury to the human body, whether temporary or long-lasting. It encompasses acute discomfort, which acts as a warning mechanism, and chronic discomfort, which persists for long periods, often leading to irreversible consequences. Pain can result from biological and/or psychosocial factors, with chronic pain having detrimental effects on functionality and quality of life. Black and brown women in Brazil have socioeconomic vulnerabilities, which can exacerbate their pain experiences. Objective: This study aimed to determine the occurrence, location, and intensity of pain in Black and brown Brazilian women. Methods: This was a national, observational, cross-sectional study of Black and brown Brazilian women over the age of 18, using validated online questionnaires adapted to the Brazilian population, namely the Numerical Pain Scale (NPS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Data analysis: The data obtained were analyzed using Jamovi – Data Analysis Software. Descriptive analyses were used to characterize the study participants using means, standard deviations, and percentages. Results: According to the IBD, the highest prevalence of pain among the women in this study was in the head (59.3%), neck (36.6%), and thoracic spine (27.1%). The mean pain interference score was 2.4 (SD ± 2.1), the interference/impact score was 2.8 (SD ± 2.5), and the total score was 2.6 (SD ± 2.3). Regarding health care, 23.7% did not seek care for pain, and 43.7% reported that professionals only partially understood their complaints. Conclusion: The findings of this study reinforce the importance of strategies that promote equity in care, focusing on an intersectional approach and combating institutional racism, contributing to advances in health care for Black women in Brazil