Mexican-American cultural meanings, expressions, self-care and dependent-care actions associated with experiences of pain.

The experience of pain within specific cultural groups has not been well studied. The purpose of this ethnographic study was to discover Mexican-American meanings, expressions, and care associated with pain. Data were obtained from 20 key and 14 general informants and analyzed using thematic and pattern analysis. Themes identified included: pain as encompassing experience of suffering; the obligation to bear pain and to endure it stoically; and the primacy of caring for others. Based on study findings, a beginning description of the cultural context is provided from which pain as experienced by Mexican-Americans can be understood and from which culturally competent nursing care can be designed.