ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: to describe the most important tools of ATLAS.ti Software and to associate them with the procedures of Thematic Content Analysis. METHOD: It is a theoretical reflection of the Content Analysis phases of Laurence Bardin, associating them with software tools Atlas.ti and showing its usefulness for data analysis in qualitative research. RESULTS: historical contextualization and the available resources of Atlas.ti software with presentation of health research involving the phases of thematic content analysis. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Atlas.ti software assists in the accomplishment of the thematic content analysis being this promising association in health research.
Subject(s)
Qualitative Research , Software/standards , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Humans , Software/trendsABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the most important tools of ATLAS.ti Software and to associate them with the procedures of Thematic Content Analysis. Method: It is a theoretical reflection of the Content Analysis phases of Laurence Bardin, associating them with software tools Atlas.ti and showing its usefulness for data analysis in qualitative research. Results: historical contextualization and the available resources of Atlas.ti software with presentation of health research involving the phases of thematic content analysis. Final considerations: The Atlas.ti software assists in the accomplishment of the thematic content analysis being this promising association in health research.
RESUMEN Objetivo: describir las herramientas más importantes del software ATLAS.ti y asociarlas con los procedimientos de Análisis de contenido temático. Método: es una reflexión teórica de las fases de análisis de contenido de Laurence Bardin, asociándolas con las herramientas de software Atlas.ti y mostrando su utilidad para el análisis de datos en la investigación cualitativa. Resultados: contextualización histórica y los recursos disponibles del software Atlas.ti con presentación de investigaciones en salud que involucran las fases del análisis de contenido temático. Consideraciones finales: el software Atlas.ti ayuda a la realización del análisis de contenido temático, siendo esta asociación prometedora en la investigación en salud.
ABSTRACT
Chronic pain represents a common public health concern worldwide. It is a complex phenomenon, owing to the interaction of different factors, including biological, physiological, psychological, environmental, and social variables. Some groups, such as women and immigrants, are particularly vulnerable. However, little is known about how Chinese women in Italy live with and face chronic pain. The present study aimed at filling this knowledge gap by examining the burden of chronic pain in Chinese immigrants in Italy in terms of acculturation processes, perceived control over disease, social networks, and coping strategies. A qualitative approach was used, performing a thematic field analysis. We interviewed 82 Chinese women from different Italian towns (Genoa, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Florence, and Prato) in depth. The sense of belonging to the host culture was strong in our sample. However, this did not simply reflect or translate into a linear engagement with medical systems, as health care pathways were more complex and dual (both Chinese and Western). Chinese women who felt deeply rooted in the Italian environment did not discontinue the use of traditional Chinese medicine. Chronic pain extensively and adversely affected daily life, particularly interfering with work. Coping strategies were mainly adaptive behaviors, being problem focused or maladaptive, relying upon "cope and avoid" mechanisms. Chinese women preferred to use traditional Chinese remedies rather than conventional medicine, while using the Italian system in emergencies. Perceived control over chronic pain was usually external. Finally, Chinese women with chronic pain benefit from social networks and support, which were mainly composed of Chinese peers. In conclusion, our findings underline the tremendous burden of chronic pain affecting all aspects of Chinese women's lives. Health care workers and providers should be aware of the complexity of chronic pain Therefore, a holistic approach, involving different stakeholders, should be adopted when managing chronic pain and approaching immigrant patients.
