INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE MODALITIES USED FOR PAIN AND PAIN BELIEFS AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS

Nur Özlem KILINÇ

Health Sciences Quarterly - 2026;6(3):669-679

Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fırat University, Elazığ / Türkiye

 

This study examined the integrative medicine methods used by individuals with chronic diseases for pain management and the effect of the use of these practices on pain beliefs. The study was conducted as a descriptive and correlational study in a Family Health Center located in Eastern Türkiye. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form and the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire. In this study, a statistically significant relationship was found between belief in the benefits of integrative medicine methods and pain belief scores (45.18+/-9.62). In particular, meditation practice was found to be associated with pain beliefs and was identified as a predictor of the change in the dependent variable (pain belief level) (4.6%). It was determined that a one-unit increase in meditation practice led to a 10.87-unit decrease in Pain Beliefs Questionnaire scores. In conclusion, it is considered that the main transformation in pain management occurs through cognitive practices such as meditation, which enable the patient to become an active participant in the healing process.