Schoolchildren’s experience of pain—A focus group interview study

Abstract

Aim To explore the experience of pain in 10‐ to 12‐year‐old children. Methods This interview study included students (n = 42) in grade 4‐6 in focus groups (n = 10) in southern Sweden (52% girls); mean age, 11.3 years (range 10‐12 years). The interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results The analysis resulted in one theme: Pain as a unique experience for each individual, which was divided into five categories: (a) Feeling bodily pain; (b) Pain related to the school environment and schoolwork; (c) Internal pain related to sorrow and grief; (d) Pain related to conflicts and remorse; and (e) Pain can be good. Conclusion The children made distinctions between physical pain and emotional pain. Bullying, noisy school environments, grief and remorse were reported to be linked with headaches, stomachache and heartache.

School Nurses’ Perspectives on Health among School-Aged Children and Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Pain was the most common reason for girls (headache and stomach pain), whereas sports injuries and wounds were most common for boys. A recent focus-group study with Swedish schoolchildren found that children linked bullying, noisy school environments, grief, and remorse with headaches, stomachache, and heartache ( Persson et al, 2021 ). An interview study with school nurses from New York, USA, found that school nurses were aware that bullying was related to students with chronic health conditions, especially those with behavioral health issues ( Cohen et al, 2022 ).…”

Adolescents' experiences of Help Overcoming Pain Early—A school based person‐centred intervention for adolescents with chronic pain

“…In Nordic countries, school nurses often provide first‐line care for adolescents with chronic pain 10 . However, according to the school nurses themselves, the available interventions are not sufficient to treat chronic pain in adolescents 11,12 . Management of chronic pain requires a broad approach and strategies other than pharmacological treatment 13 .…”

“… 10 However, according to the school nurses themselves, the available interventions are not sufficient to treat chronic pain in adolescents. 11 , 12 Management of chronic pain requires a broad approach and strategies other than pharmacological treatment. 13 Students have requested initiatives with approaches adapted to their individual health situations and needs.…”