Musculoskeletal pain and coping mechanisms in older female rice farmers: a grounded theory study

OBJECTIVES: While ageing is often associated with retirement, many older women in northern Iran continue working in rice fields despite musculoskeletal pain. This study explored their pain experiences and how they cope with this condition. METHODS: Using a grounded theory approach developed by Strauss and Corbin, we conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty-two female rice farmers aged sixty years and older. Data analysis involved open, axial, and selective coding, with constant comparative analysis. FINDINGS: Analysis revealed five main categories: pain experience and disability, pain management and coping, social and economic factors, emotions and attitudes, and family impact. These categories informed a multilevel biosocial resilience model suggesting that resilience emerges through interactions across biocultural, socioeconomic, and structural domains. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight areas for further consideration in occupational health, healthcare access, and social protection. They also draw attention to the need for policies and research that strengthen formal support systems and reduce structural constraints that compel continued work despite pain. Context-specific adaptation and further research are warranted before broader recommendations can be made.