To study the process of establishment, and evaluate the outcome of participation, in a self-help support group for people with chronic nonmalignant pain, members of a newly-established, consumer-led group participated in two interviews 5 months apart and a researcher observed group meetings. Participants reported significant benefits from participating in the group. They had a significant increase in functional ability and activity, and reported decreased recourse to health professionals, particularly family physicians. This study indicates that pain support groups can play a valuable role for people in pain, assisting with support and rehabilitation, and meeting needs that health professionals are often not appropriate or able to provide.

Vanitha Subramaniam gives a regional perspective on the impact of globalization on women's overall health and well-being, particularly in light of the recent financial crisis in the Asian region. Development (1999) 42, 145–149. doi:10.1057/palgrave.development.1110104