Pre- and post-migration factors associated with chronic pain in humanitarian refugee women living in Australia: A protocol study

Abstract

Background and objective: Refugee women exhibit some of the highest rates of chronic pain, but the relationship between chronic pain and refugee-related challenges arising from migration trajectories remains unclear. This article outlines the study protocol for a secondary analysis that seeks to identify pre- and post-migration factors associated with chronic pain and long-term disability in refugee women five years into resettlement in Australia. This study will examine the association between migration factors and chronic pain in refugee women five years into resettlement in Australia. Methods: This protocol design uses data from Building a New Life in Australia, a prospective longitudinal cohort study. The primary outcome is chronic pain in refugee women resettled in Australia. The variables of interest are preand post-migration factors, which have been categorised using a model adapted from a conceptual framework of social determinants of health. A two-step process of univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis will be used to examine associations. A subset analysis of factors associated with chronic pain in women who report a long-term disability will also be investigated. Discussion: Outcomes of this research will inform existing resettlement services to promote or improve chronic pain management for refugee women.