Motivations and expectations for using cannabis products to treat pain in humans and dogs: a mixed methods study

Abstract Background Social media and academic literature suggest that more people are using cannabis to treat their own or their dog’s chronic pain. This study identifies the reasons people use cannabis products to treat their own pain or their dog’s pain and explores whether these products have fulfilled their expectations. Methods An anonymous, online survey was used to collect quantitative and qualitative self-report data on respondents’ perceptions, motivations and expectations about their or their dog’s chronic pain and cannabis use. The analyses are based on U.S. adults who reported using cannabis products to treat their own (N = 313) or their dog’s (N = 204) chronic pain. Quantitative responses from the two groups were compared using Chi-Square tests and qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Results Human patients and dog owners reported similar motivations for using cannabis products to treat chronic pain, with the more popular reasons being that cannabis products are natural, are preferred over conventional medication, are believed to be the best treatment or good treatment option for pain. Similar proportions of human patients and dog owners reported that the use of cannabis products fulfilled their expectations (86% vs. 82% respectively, χ2 (1, 200) = .59, p = .32). The qualitative data revealed that their expectations were met by reducing pain, increasing relaxation, and improving sleep, coping, functionality and overall well being. Additionally, the qualitative data suggests that cannabis products offer a return to normalcy and a restored sense of self to human and dog patients. Conclusions The results suggest that people choose cannabis products because they are natural and a possible solution to managing chronic pain when conventional medicines have not been effective. Most people report that their expectations regarding pain management are fulfilled by these products. More accurate assessments are vital, however, for understanding both the objective biomedical and subjective socioemotional benefits of cannabis products for effective pain management for human and dog patients. In addition, objective factual information regarding cannabis products for effective pain management in humans and dogs is needed. It is recommended that both physicians and veterinarians work towards feeling more comfortable proactively broaching the subject of cannabis use with additional training and education.

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Acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain situations among the working population and their pain education needs: an exploratory study

Family Practice ◽

10.1093/fampra/cmaa013 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 37 (4) ◽

pp. 445-452

Author(s):

Shuk Kwan Tang ◽

Mimi Mun Yee Tse ◽

Sau Fong Leung ◽

Theofanis Fotis

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Pain Management ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Work Performance ◽

Online Survey ◽

Management Education ◽

Well Being ◽

Working Population ◽

Pain Education

Abstract Background Pain affects a person’s physical and psychological well-being, work performance and productivity. Working population bear their pain and continue to work which may contribute to the worsening of their pain condition. However, their pain situation was not well-examined. Objective The aim of the study was to explore the prevalence of acute and chronic pain in the working population in Hong Kong, understand their pain management strategies and determine their preferences with regard to the use of electronic pain management materials. Methods This was an exploratory online survey. The participants’ pain history, their preferences in methods of pain management, the source of the pain management education that they had received, sources and preferences in relation to the use of the Internet for pain education, and the participants’ demographic characteristics were collected. Results A total of 210 participants joined the study, 67% of whom were experiencing pain. Of the group in pain, 71.6% were in chronic pain that has persisted for 3 months or more. Pain intensities ranged from 2.82 to 3.82 on a 10-point numeric scale. Of the participants, 85.7% reported not receiving adequate pain management education, and 91.4% of those agreed pain services were inadequate. Websites and health care professionals were the sources from which they obtained their pain management education. Conclusions The high prevalence of pain in the working population requires special attention. Health care professionals should be proactive and an online pain management programme can be a solution to address the critical problem of pain in the working population.

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“The most lonely condition I can imagine”: Psychosocial impacts of endometriosis on women’s identity

Feminism & Psychology ◽

10.1177/0959353520930602 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 095935352093060

Author(s):

Jennifer M Cole ◽

Sarah Grogan ◽

Emma Turley

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Social Relationships ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Online Survey ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Role Expectations ◽

Social Connections ◽

Women's Identity ◽

Psychosocial Impacts

Endometriosis is a condition which affects around 1–2% of women worldwide and has profound effects on their everyday lives. Previous research has tended to focus on physical symptoms (such as chronic pain); how women manage changes to their identity and relationships as a result of endometriosis has received less attention. This paper discusses qualitative data examining how women negotiate changes to identity while living with endometriosis, in a social context where women are expected to minimise their symptoms and conform to feminine role expectations. We conducted thematic analysis of 34 replies to an online survey seeking qualitative text responses. The women identified disruptions to personal identity as a result of living with endometriosis. They talked about not feeling like themselves (Theme 1) and about reactions from medical and social connections prompting feelings that they were going “mad” (Theme 2). Participants also expressed feeling as though they were a burden to loved ones (Theme 3), which often resulted in self-silencing (Theme 4). Findings are discussed in the context of Western expectations of women’s roles in social relationships and suggest that professionals who support women with endometriosis should be aware of strategies such as self-silencing which may reduce effective self-care.

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Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11082349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 2349

Author(s):

Heather Clements ◽

Stephanie Valentin ◽

Nicholas Jenkins ◽

Jean Rankin ◽

Nancy R. Gee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Online Survey ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Well Being ◽

Companion Animal ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide placed limitations on social interaction, which is anticipated to have severe psychological consequences. Although findings are inconsistent, prior research has suggested that companion animals may positively influence human well-being and reduce loneliness. In the context of COVID-19, this has important implications, as companion animal guardians may be less negatively affected by the pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the influence of companion animals on mental well-being and loneliness during the pandemic, with specific interest in the role of ornamental fishes. A mixed-methods study was conducted, using an international sample. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (n = 1199) and analysed using robust hierarchical multiple regression analyses; the influence of level of engagement with companion animals was examined for dogs, cats and ornamental fishes. There was no evidence that companion animal guardianship was associated with loneliness and mental well-being during the pandemic but spending more time engaging physically or socially with dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) was generally associated with poorer outcomes. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses (n = 757) and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed—one related to companion animals as providers of social and emotional support, and the other to companion animals as providers of purpose and perspective. Concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare were also identified. Compared to other animal types, more participants expressed indifference regarding the impact of their fishes on their well-being during the pandemic, possibly because fishes cannot provide comfort via physical touch. The findings of this study reflect the wider field of human–animal interaction; although qualitative data suggest guardians believe their companion animals are a positive influence in their lives, there is little convincing quantitative data to support these beliefs. This highlights the need to refine theories regarding which aspects of companion animal guardianship may influence human well-being; the findings from this research may be useful in the refinement of such theories.

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Online paediatric chronic pain management: assessing the needs of UK adolescents and parents, using a cross-sectional survey

British Journal of Pain ◽

10.1177/2049463720940341 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 204946372094034

Author(s):

Anna Hurley-Wallace ◽

Daniel E Schoth ◽

Suzanne Lilley ◽

Glyn Williams ◽

Christina Liossi

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Pain Management ◽

Online Survey ◽

Interdisciplinary Treatment ◽

Future Research ◽

Chronic Pain Management ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Media Platforms

Background: Adolescent chronic pain is prevalent, and interdisciplinary treatment is recommended. Although it is well known that technology is a key part of adolescents’ daily lives, there have not been any online, interdisciplinary interventions developed for adolescents with chronic pain in a UK healthcare context. Little is known about how adolescents currently use online resources to manage chronic pain, or what guidance they seek. Methods: Ninety-five participants from the community answered this mixed-methods, online survey (adolescent n = 54, parent n = 41), which assessed the needs of UK-based adolescents for a new online chronic pain management resource. Results: Findings indicated that, at the time of the survey, adolescents frequently used social media platforms, such as Instagram, for chronic pain management. Desired techniques for a new interdisciplinary resource for adolescents included ‘advice on explaining chronic pain to others’ (86.7% of adolescents) and sleep hygiene (82.2% of adolescents), though access to a range of pain management techniques was desired. Qualitative results indicated endorsement of a new programme by adolescents and parents. Conclusions: Adolescents and parents had a positive outlook towards the development of a UK-specific online resource to help manage chronic pain. Such an intervention should aim to be made accessible via the National Health Service. Adolescent use of social media platforms to seek support for chronic pain requires further exploration in future research.

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The Demise of Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Management and Its Relationship to the Scourge of Prescription Opioid Diversion and Abuse

10.1093/med/9780199981830.003.0010 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michael E. Schatman

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Pain Management ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Well Being ◽

Insurance Companies ◽

Prescription Opioid ◽

Pain Medicine ◽

Opioid Crisis ◽

Opioid Medications ◽

Opioid Diversion

Even though the efficacy of interdisciplinary pain management programs is supported, their numbers have decreased and the vast majority of Americans with chronic pain do not have access to them. Insurance companies do not want to pay for these services, hospitals believe they are financial losers, and the opioid crisis has placed a pall over the practice of pain medicine. The demise of these programs has left pain medicine in a fragmented state. Few healthcare providers who treat chronic pain patients have the time to coordinate care by multiple professionals The opioid crisis seen in certain areas, such as Appalachia, may be related to the lack of these interdisciplinary programs. There should be concerted efforts to increase access to and funding of these programs. Although they are not a panacea for all types of chronic pain, they can improve patients’ well-being and function and reduce their need for opioid medications.

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Dialectical Pain Management: Feasibility of a Hybrid Third-Wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach for Adults Receiving Opioids for Chronic Pain

Pain Medicine ◽

10.1093/pm/pnaa361 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Deborah Barrett ◽

Carrie E Brintz ◽

Amanda M Zaski ◽

Mark J Edlund

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Pain Management ◽

Dialectical Behavior Therapy ◽

Emotion Dysregulation ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Self Report ◽

Control Group ◽

Global Rating ◽

Pain Acceptance

Abstract Objectives This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a hybrid skills-based group intervention, dialectical pain management (DPM), for adults with chronic pain who are receiving long-term opioid therapy. DPM adapts dialectical behavior therapy, a rigorous psychotherapeutic approach to emotion dysregulation, to treat disorders of physiological dysregulation. Methods Individuals with chronic pain (N = 17) participated in one of two 8-week DPM intervention cohorts. At pre-test and post-test, participants completed quantitative self-report assessments measuring pain intensity and interference, depressive symptoms, pain acceptance, beliefs about pain medications, and global rating of change. Within 2 weeks after the intervention, participants completed qualitative interviews to assess participant satisfaction and obtain feedback about specific intervention components. Results Of the 17 enrolled, 15 participants completed the group with 12 (70%) attending six or more sessions. Participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Preliminary findings suggested a significant increase in pain acceptance and a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Participants also reported an improved relationship with their pain conditions and increased flexibility in responding to pain and applying coping skills. Several participants showed a reduction in opioid dosage over the course of the intervention. Discussion Findings support that DPM is a feasible and well-received intervention for individuals with chronic pain. Additional research with a control group is needed to further determine the intervention’s efficacy and impact.

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When altruists cannot help: The influence of altruism on mental health during COVID-19 pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-25715/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yi Feng ◽

Dan Dong ◽

Min Zong ◽

Zhizun Yang ◽

Zhihong Qiao

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Negative Affect ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Valuable Insight

Abstract Background The positive predictive effect of altruism on physical and psychological well-being has been extensively demonstrated in previous studies, but few studies have examined the effect of altruism on negative mental health outcomes when altruists cannot perform altruistic behaviors. This study explored the influence of altruism on negative affect and mental health (anxiety and depression) during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people self-isolated at home in China.Method: College students were recruited via a cross-sectional online survey during the outbreak of COVID-19 in China. Self-reported perceived risk, altruism, negative affect, anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the Self-Report Altruism Scale (SRA), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the 9-item PHQ depression scale (PHQ-9). A structural equation model was used to analyze the mediating and moderating effects on mental health.Results The final sample comprised 1346 Chinese participants (Mage = 19.76 ± 2.23 years, 73% female). Overall, the higher risk people perceived, the more negative affect they exhibited (β = 0.16, p < .001); thus, the more anxious and depressed they felt (β = 0.134, p < .001), but this relationship between risk perception and negative affect was moderated by altruism. Paradoxical to previous studies, the increase in negative affect associated with increased perceived risk was pronounced among individuals with high altruism ( t = 7.68, p < .001).Conclusions Individuals with high altruism exhibited more negative affect, indirectly increasing their anxiety and depressive symptoms. The findings enrich the theory of altruism and provide valuable insight into the influence of altruism on mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Support for family members who are caregivers to relatives with acquired brain injury

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences ◽

10.22543/7674.81.p7685 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 76-85

Author(s):

Janet Walker ◽

Lourens Schlebusch ◽

Bernhard Gaede

Keyword(s):

Brain Injury ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Family Members ◽

Acquired Brain Injury ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significance Level

Objectives. Family members caring for a patient with acquired brain injury (ABI) are coping with inordinate levels of stress partially due to their lack of understanding of the neuropsychological effects of acquired brain injury in the patient. The objective of this research is to show that as the caregivers’ stress levels increase, there is an increase in suicidal ideation. This highlights the causal relationship between unhealthy stress and reduced psychological well-being in these caregivers. In addition, qualitative research evidence regarding the caregivers’ views of their main sources of stress are presented. Methods. The participants were a random sample of 80 family caregivers of patients with acquired brain injury, out of whom 72.5% (58) are primary caregivers and 27.5% (22) are secondary caregivers. A mixed methodology was utilized. It comprised cross-sectional descriptive and phenomenological approaches. Quantitative data were obtained from two standardized measures: The Stress Symptom Checklist (SSCL) and item 9 of the Beck Depression Inventory. The qualitative data were derived from self-report procedures that were part of a structured questionnaire administered individually during the interviews. Results. The Kruskal-Wallis test with a significance level of p = .05 was used to compare the stress and suicidal ideation scores, which revealed that increasing levels of stress led to increased suicidality. The analysis of the qualitative data revealed five themes which were identified as the triggers of the caregivers’ profound stress. Most caregivers felt that it was predominantly the patient’s neuropsychological deficits, such as emotions and/or moods, cognitive ability, behavior and personality, executive function, and social factors that caused them profound stress. Conclusions. Support and education are needed to help family caregivers understand the neuropsychological impact of acquired brain injury on the patient. Once caregivers have an improved understanding and receive better support from healthcare providers, they should experience less stress and be better prepared to provide the appropriate support to patients with acquired brain injury.

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Do Mental Health and Vitality Mediate the Relationship between Perceived Control over Time and Fear of COVID-19? A Survey in an Italian Sample

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10163516 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (16) ◽

pp. 3516

Author(s):

Silvana Miceli ◽

Barbara Caci ◽

Michele Roccella ◽

Luigi Vetri ◽

Giuseppe Quatrosi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Perceived Control ◽

Online Survey ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Treatment Programs ◽

Effective Control ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Over Time

Several studies evidenced increased elevated symptomatology levels in anxiety, general stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress related to COVID-19. Real difficulties in the effective control of time that could be responsible for mental health issues and loss of vitality were also reported. Prior literature highlighted how perceived control over time significantly modulates anxiety disorders and promotes psychological well-being. To verify the hypothesis that perceived control over time predicts fear of COVID-19 and mental health and vitality mediate this relationship, we performed an online survey on a sample of 301 subjects (female = 68%; Mage = 22.12, SD = 6.29; age range = 18–57 years), testing a parallel mediation model using PROCESS macro (model 4). All participants responded to self-report measures of perceived control over time, COVID-19 fear, mental health, and vitality subscales of the Short-Form-36 Health Survey. Results corroborate the hypotheses of direct relationships between all the study variables and partially validate the mediation’s indirect effect. Indeed, mental health (a1b1 = −0.06; CI: LL = −0.11; UL = −0.01; p < 0.001) rather than vitality (a2b2 = −0.06; CI: LL = −0.09; UL = 0.03; n.s.) emerges as a significant mediator between perceived control over time and fear of COVID-19. Practical implications of the study about treatment programs based on perceived control over time and emotional coping to prevent fear and anxiety toward the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.

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Medical cannabis use in the Australian community following introduction of legal access: The 2018-2019 Online Cross-Sectional Cannabis as Medicine Survey (CAMS-18)

10.21203/rs.2.24266/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nicholas Lintzeris ◽

Llewellyn Mills ◽

Anastasia Suraev ◽

Maria Bravo ◽

Thomas Arkell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Online Survey ◽

Medical Profession ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Medical Cannabis ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Plant Matter

Abstract Background: In 2016 the Australian federal government passed legislation enabling a range of cannabis-based products to be prescribed to patients by registered healthcare professionals. An online survey conducted immediately prior to these legislative changes found that the vast majority of respondents at the time were illicitly sourcing cannabis plant matter, smoking was the preferred route of administration, and mental health, chronic pain, and sleep conditions were the most frequently cited reasons for medical cannabis use. This manuscript reports the results of a follow-up survey conducted in 2018-2019, the Cannabis As Medicine Survey (CAMS-18). The goal of this second questionnaire was to examine patterns of use and consumer perspectives regarding medical cannabis use in Australia, two years after the introduction of legal access pathways. Methods: Anonymous online cross-sectional survey with convenience sample, recruited mainly through online media between September 2018 and March 2019. Participants were adults (18 years or over) residing in Australia who reported using a cannabis product for self-identified therapeutic reasons during the preceding 12 months. The survey measured consumer characteristics; indications and patterns of medical cannabis use; routes and frequency of administration; perceived benefits and harms; experiences and preferred models of access to medical cannabis. Results: Data were available for 1388 respondents. The main categories of condition being treated with medical cannabis were pain (36.4%), mental health (32.8%), sleep (9.2%), neurological (5.2%) and cancer (3.8%). Respondents reported using medical cannabis on 15.8 (11.2) days in the past 28, by inhaled (71.4%) or oral (26.5%) routes and spending AUD$82.27 ($101.27) per week. There were high levels of self-reported effectiveness, but also high rates of side effects. There was uncertainty regarding the composition of illicit cannabinoid products and concerns regarding their possible contamination. Few respondents (2.7%) had accessed legally prescribed medical cannabis, with the main perceived barriers being cost, disinterest from the medical profession, and stigma regarding cannabis use. Conclusions: Chronic pain, mental health and sleep remain the main clinical conditions for which consumers report using medical cannabis. Despite two years of legal availability, most consumers in Australia reported accessing illicit cannabis products, with uncertainty regarding the quality or composition of cannabis products.

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