Depression, Depressive Somatic or Nonsomatic Symptoms, and Function in a Primarily Hispanic Chronic Pain Population.

Chronic pain and depression are two major causes of disability. Comorbidity decreases psychosocial and physical functioning while increasing economic burden. The prevailing belief that Hispanics somaticize depression may hinder the diagnostic process and, thus, may impact outcomes.

Acculturation, depression, and function in individuals seeking pain management in a predominantly Hispanic southwestern border community.

Acculturation does not inform practice in the acute or primary care setting; nor does it explain ethnic disparities in the recognition and treatment of chronic diseases, particularly chronic pain. As clinicians, it is imperative that we recognize contributing factors, comorbid conditions, and the impact of chronic pain on individuals and families. The purposes of this article are to present evidence that exemplifies the nonsignificant role acculturation plays in expression of pain and function of a predominantly Hispanic population on the United States border; and to identify more meaningful perspectives of culture that may lessen health disparities and improve pain management.

Malingering? No evidence in a predominantly Hispanic workers' compensation population with chronic pain.

Providers suspect malingering when patients seek compensation for injury or when pain is unconfirmed via objective evidence, judged disproportionate to the cause, or recalcitrant to treatment. Suspicions or claims of malingering may prejudice treatment or reimbursement decisions. The purpose of this archival study was to identify malingering in a predominantly Hispanic workers' compensation population seeking treatment for pain.

The effectiveness of a peer-mentored older adult fitness program on perceived physical, mental, and social function.

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to compare changes in perceived physical, mental, and social function measured by the Short Form-36 (SF36vr2) in a group of older adults who were trained by peer mentors (PMs) versus a similar group trained by qualified kinesiology student mentors (SMs).

Data Sources: We conducted a two-arm repeated measures longitudinal intervention and collected data for 87 PM and 44 SM participants. Pre- and post-training subscale scores were computed for all eight subscales and the two summary physical and mental component scores.