Pain in People Experiencing Homelessness: A Scoping Review

Overview

Journal Ann Behav Med

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Social Sciences

Date 2023 Feb 6

PMID 36745022

Authors

Tracy M Anastas

Jesse C Stewart

Kevin L Rand

Adam T Hirsh

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Prior work suggests that people experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at heightened risk for developing pain and have a uniquely burdensome pain experience.

Purpose: The aim of this scoping review was to map the current peer-reviewed, published literature on the pain experience of PEH.

Methods: In accordance with the US Annual Homeless Assessment Report, we defined homelessness as lacking shelter or a fixed address within the last year. We conceptualized the pain experience via a modified version of the Social Communication Model of Pain, which considers patient, provider, and contextual factors. Published articles were identified with CINHAL, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases.

Results: Sixty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Studies revealed that PEH have high rates of pain and experience high levels of pain intensity and interference. Substantially fewer studies examined other factors relevant to the pain experience, such as self-management, treatment-seeking behaviors, and pain management within healthcare settings. Nonetheless, initial evidence suggests that pain is undermanaged in PEH.

Conclusions: Future research directions to understand pain and homelessness are discussed, including factors contributing to the under-management of pain. This scoping review may inform future work to develop interventions to address the specific pain care needs of PEH.

Citing Articles

Oral Health Epidemiological Investigation in an Urban Homeless Population.

Lione R, Ralli M, De Razza F, DAmato G, Arcangeli A, Carbone L Dent J (Basel). 2024; 12(10).

PMID: 39452452 PMC: 11505739. DOI: 10.3390/dj12100324.

The Association Between Chronic Pain, Substance use, and Primary Care Experience Among Veterans with Ongoing or Recent Homelessness.

Varley A, DeRussy A, Jones A, Hoge A, Gordon A, Richman J J Gen Intern Med. 2024; 39(16):3172-3181.

PMID: 39406964 PMC: 11618259. DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-09078-x.

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