Positive Health Online

Abstract

STOLLER and colleagues, Department of Sociology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7124, USA, eps3@po.cwru.edu, analysed the pain management strategies of patients presenting at a dental clinic with tooth pain.

Background

The primary objective was to identify the strategies patients use to manage their pain, and to elucidate the decision-making process leading to a clinic visit.

Methodology

In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients presenting with tooth pain at a dental clinic in rural North Florida.

Results

Although respondents understood that their condition was not self-limiting, only about half of them contacted the clinic within several days of the onset of their pain.

Conclusion

Most dental patients tried one or more ‘lay’ management strategies to cope with their tooth pain.

References

Stoller EP et al. Coping with tooth pain: a qualitative study of lay management strategies and professional consultation. Special Care in Dentistry 21 (6): 208-15. Nov-Dec 2001.