A WOMEN’S pain survey is generating much-needed conversations among women and health-care providers about chronic pain conditions.
The survey conducted by the Victorian Government as part of the Women’s Health & Wellbeing Program is gathering data to help shape the delivery of treatment, care and support for women in Victoria.
The government has identified that “chronic pain affects a higher proportion of girls and women than men around the world; however, women are less likely to receive treatment”.
This is attributed to denial of pain and therefore lack of pain relief and associated treatment throughout a range of health conditions, including cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive and autoimmune.
So far, 12,000 women and girls have completed the survey statewide, sharing the daily impact pain conditions have on their lives, which will help to inform recommendations to the Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council by the end of the year, the government said in a statement.
“For too long women’s pain has been overlooked, misdiagnosed and dismissed – we’re taking action by listening to Victorian women and transforming how women’s health is treated in Victoria,” Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“We’ve heard from thousands of women who have told us about not being heard, being misdiagnosed and having their conditions downplayed.
“But we know there are so many more women and girls who’s stories we have not heard so I encourage you to fill out this survey.”
The survey closes Wednesday and can be completed by Victorian women and girls at health.vic.gov.au/public-health/inquiry-into-womens-pain.
