The meanings of pain: A qualitative study of the perspectives of children living with pain in north-eastern Thailand.

This qualitative paper explores the perception of pain among north-eastern Thai children experiencing illness, aged from 4-18 years. Data was obtained from 17 children living in the community and 32 children admitted to two major hospitals in Isan, totaling 49 children. The qualitative data collection techniques used were observation, drawing, role-playing, story-telling, and "day conferences" (relaxed and informal group discussions).