Table 1 Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria | Justification |
|---|---|
Studies that are not observational | The aim of the review is to examine the burden, prevalence and risk factors of chronic pain in immigrants |
Studies published prior to 2012 | The aim of the review is to capture the most recent immigration trends, during which migration has climbed to a high record due to complex political and environmental reasons |
Studies that focus on acute conditions/pain | The focus of the review is on chronic pain |
Studies on malignant, metabolic, infectious, visceral, neuropathic or post-surgical pain | The focus of the review is on musculoskeletal pain |
Studies with samples that do not include participants from North Africa and the Middle East | The review focuses on the recent political and immigration crises in the countries neighbouring to Europe |
Studies where the destination country is not European | The review aims to inform European healthcare policies |