Gender Bias in Pediatric Pain

[BrisketRN, BSN, RN]

Here's an interesting article on how adults perceive the pain of boys vs girls.

Now I'm wondering--do I see more boys with PE/recess injuries because they're "rougher" and get hurt more often, or is it because the girls' pain is overlooked?

Food for thought.

[Glitternurse, LVN]

That is really interesting. In my unscientific observations, I think boys play up pain more. The boys are more likely to come in with an exaggerated limp or dragging their foot. Boys are also more likely to hurt themselves and keep playing and then come to the health office when class starts, girls seem to come in right away. I will have to pay more attention to my perceptions. Thanks for the great article

[OldDude]

What a bunch of "hogwash." ?

The article that is...

[jess11RN]

I actually see so many more girls for injuries than boys. I feel like boys are more likely to "suck it up."

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

My wife sees more boys and I see more girl injuries. Both genders play it up equally, we have many future stars. Please remember that research is no longer "blind", always read each one with what angle are they coming from.

[OldDude]

57 minutes ago, MrNurse(x2) said:

My wife sees more boys and I see more girl injuries. Both genders play it up equally, we have many future stars. Please remember that research is no longer "blind", always read each one with what angle are they coming from.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO True!!

[BrisketRN, BSN, RN]

I just want to point out--the actual studies conducted were not specific to health care. The adults in the study were not necessarily health care professionals. I was not suggesting that the findings of the study reflects every hospital, doctor's office, or school nurse office in America. Just as studies can have biases, so can people.

[EnoughWithTheIce]

3 hours ago, Glitternurse said:

That is really interesting. In my unscientific observations, I think boys play up pain more. The boys are more likely to come in with an exaggerated limp or dragging their foot. Boys are also more likely to hurt themselves and keep playing and then come to the health office when class starts, girls seem to come in right away. I will have to pay more attention to my perceptions. Thanks for the great article

Yep, totally agree!!!!! Those dragging legs - I have only ever seen a boy do that.

[OldDude]

44 minutes ago, BiscuitRN said:

I just want to point out--the actual studies conducted were not specific to health care. The adults in the study were not necessarily health care professionals. I was not suggesting that the findings of the study reflects every hospital, doctor's office, or school nurse office in America. Just as studies can have biases, so can people.

You bet!!

[Amethya]

16 hours ago, EnoughWithTheIce said:

Yep, totally agree!!!!! Those dragging legs - I have only ever seen a boy do that.

I agree I only see the boys do more injuries and exaggerate, but they keep playing and only come right when class starts after PE. While girls only come to me if it's an absolute emergency and/or it happens right then and there.