Experiencing and controlling time in everyday life with chronic widespread pain: a qualitative study
2008

Understanding Time in Chronic Widespread Pain

Sample size: 8 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jane C. Richardson, Bie Nio Ong, Julius Sim

Primary Institution: Primary Care Musculoskeletal Research Centre, Keele University, Keele, Staffs, UK

Hypothesis

How do people with chronic widespread pain experience and give meaning to their condition in relation to time?

Conclusion

Regaining control over time is crucial for coping with chronic pain, and health professionals can help patients achieve this.

Supporting Evidence

  • Chronic widespread pain affects 10% of adults and significantly disrupts daily life.
  • Participants reported that everyday tasks take longer and routines are often disrupted.
  • Strategies for managing time include breaking tasks into smaller parts and resting frequently.

Takeaway

People with chronic pain often feel like they have less control over their time, making everyday tasks harder and longer to complete.

Methodology

The study involved multiple in-depth interviews, diaries, and family interviews with participants aged 40-60 living with chronic widespread pain.

Limitations

Most participants had stopped working due to health issues, which may affect their relationship with time.

Participant Demographics

Participants were eight adults aged 40-60, with a balanced gender representation and varied family circumstances.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-9-3

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