Origins and Previous Experiences from a Gender Perspective on the Perception of Pain in Nursing Students : Study Protocol

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Abstract

Background: The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) conceptualizes pain as a subjective experience, influenced by biopsychosocial factors, strongly related to the person’s environment and previous experience. It is necessary to understand painful experiences from birth and their influence on the self-perception of pain later in life. In addition, training competent health professionals to identify and treat pain becomes a priority. The main objective of the protocol is to describe the situations that influence pain perception. These influences are conceived from birth to adulthood, taking into account the gender perspective. Methods: This is a two-year exploratory mixed-methods educational intervention design, incorporating cross-sectional assessments at baseline. The research will be carried out in the academic community, including nursing students from two universities. The following will be carried out: (1) practical seminars (groups of 20–25) to increase future healthcare professionals’ awareness of pain-inducing procedures and critical thinking; (2) a peer-mentoring session, led by senior students, addressing pain research, its clinical impact, and strategies for improved pain management through theoretical and practical components; (3) supervised sessions, where students will learn and perform vital sign measurements (HR, SpO2), algometry, and the Cold Pressor Test (CPT) to assess pain perception, threshold, and tolerance, practicing in pairs; (4) a gender-specific questionnaire to evaluate students’ perceptions of pain, fostering reflection on gender differences in pain experiences. Discussion: The aim is to enhance knowledge about pain in future health professionals to increase their skills in the approach to pain. Conclusions: This study aims to promote formal academic contact between higher education students, promoting comprehensive care in the management of pain at different stages of life.