Identifying Design Opportunities Through A Cultural Understanding of Medical Needle Use, Fear and Pain Within the United States and Developing Nations

Abstract

10% of the global population exhibits some level of medical related needle fear. but meaning and cause for phobia presumably varies greatly by culture (Abmmowitz and Deacon, 2006). In the United States, 90% of pediatric populations arc believed to exhibit some level of fear around procedures that involve a needle (Taddio ct al, 20 12). As a result, individuals can exhibit various consequential behaviors including healthcare avoidance, negative memory creation and conditioned anxiety responses. In order to understand the meaning of fear within the United States, psychological, physiological and emotional factors must be examined in pediatric populations. In developing countries, however, needles arc not viewed as frightening objects and instead have positive connotations. Injections arc welcomed by populations and arc the preferred method of treatment and therapy. In order to understand the preference for injections, one must understand the cultural beliefs around efficacy, the economic interests of providers and the poor communication that exists between patients and providers (Van Staa et al, 1996). As a result, injections arc administered in unnecessary quantities. Because of the poor policy and regulations that exist within healthcare systems, the consequence of blood-borne disease transmission becomes a source of fear for global populations. For both user groups, it is important to understand the cultural and behavioral implications for various types of fear. Through primary and secondary research, my final outcome will produce design opportunities that aim to decrease morbidity. mortality and cost in cross-cultural contexts.