Effects of culture on back pain in Australian aboriginals.

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.