chronic pain management experiences in immigrant populations: a qualitative study

Background: chronic pain among immigrants is shaped by a dynamic interplay of cultural beliefs, systemic inequities, and individualized coping. this study aimed to investigate how immigrants living in richmond hill conceptualize and manage chronic pain and how these meanings connect to access, coping, and care experiences.methods: this qualitative descriptive-phenomenological study was conducted in richmond hill, canada. this study utilized purposive maximum-variation sampling and semi-structured interviews with 26 immigrant adults aged ≥30 years living with chronic pain for ≥6 months. data were thematically analyzed in nvivo software, version 14; credibility was supported by peer debriefing and member checking.results: participants (65% women; mean age=37.4) represented eight countries, with 62% residing in canada for over five years. four interrelated themes were identified: 1) cultural interpretations of pain—often viewed as a moral or spiritual test—led to self-silencing and delayed help-seeking; 2) systemic barriers, such as language gaps, financial constraints, and discrimination eroded trust and hindered access; 3) coping and adaptation relied on religious rituals, home remedies, and ethno-cultural networks, which sometimes replaced formal care; and 4) healthcare encounters varied between supportive communication and stereotyping, influencing trust and engagement. these interactions formed a cyclical relationship linking cultural framing, systemic barriers, and care responsiveness.conclusion: improving immigrant pain care requires routine interpreter use, cross-cultural provider training, integration of acceptable coping practices, and reduction of financial and navigation barriers.