The purposes of this study were to explore the pain experience of Javanese and Batak patients, to examine differences between the pain experiences of Javanese and Batak patients, and to explore the cultural beliefs/practices about pain of the two ethnic groups. The research design used in this study was a descriptive comparative design. One hundred and twenty-three patients were involved. There were sixty-three Javanese patients and sixty Batak patients. Patients were approached and interviewed to obtain information about their pain during the period 24-48 hours after surgery, using the Brief Pain Inventory- Short Form (Indonesian version) and Interview Guide, examining cultural beliefs/practices. Data were also obtained from medical records. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Simple content analysis was conducted for qualitative data regarding cultural beliefs/practices.
The majority of patients in this study underwent abdominal surgery and orthopedic surgery. Both Javanese and Batak patients experienced postoperative pain at its worst at the severe level and reported postoperative pain on average and present pain (at the time of interview) at moderate level. The pain they experienced interfered to some degree with their daily activities. Pain interference was scored at the moderate level for Javanese patients and the severe level for Batak patients. Javanese and Batak patients reported significantly different pain intensity scores (p < .001) and all pain interference scores (p < .01), in which Batak patients reported higher scores.
In addition, Javanese patients described their pain as suffering, disturbing, and as a spiritual test, whereas Batak patients described it as a disturbing, discomforting, and tiring experience. With regard to culture, Javanese and Batak patients responded to pain somewhat differently. Javanese patients showed stoic responses. In contrast, Batak patients demonstrated expressive responses.
The results of this study confirm the premise that people from different cultures, particularly different ethnic backgrounds, experience pain differently. This knowledge can be applied in the clinical practice where nurses offer care to people suffering from postoperative pain or other types of pain. Concerning cultural difference and including this factor in pain assessment may contribute to better pain management outcomes.