Pain, the most common reason patients seek health care, is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential damage (Smeltzer, Bare, Hinkle, & Cheever, 2010). Pain is associated with certain diagnostic tests, diseases, and treatment. The anticipation of pain is a frequent barrier to prevention and treatment of some illnesses. Coupled with these concepts is the impact that culture has on pain. Individuals seeking care for pain bring with them past experiences and knowledge that have been influenced and reinforced by others such as peers, social groups, and family members (Racher & Annis, 2007).
