The role of perceived family social support and parental solicitous responses in adjustment to bothersome pain in young people with physical disabilities

'Listen to women as if they were your most cherished person': Australian women's perspectives on living with the pain of endometriosis: A mixed-methods study

This mixed-methods study used an online cross-sectional survey to explore perspectives of 533 adult Australian women living with endometriosis pain, and their relationship with biopsychosocial factors. Four themes were constructed: The primary theme, 'Stigma and change' reflected women's experience of dismissal, and the wish to reverse the narrative of pain as normal. Some women emphasised self-education and self-advocacy to affect change, reflecting the theme 'self-empowerment'. Participants described the 'debilitating impact' of endometriosis and the enduring difficulty of 'inadequate healthcare', reflecting themes three and four. Analysis indicated type of social support may impact perceived outcomes for endometriosis. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated too few significant relationships between biopsychosocial factors and themes to indicate meaningful patterns without risk of common method variance. Future research should explore the influence of social support and interventions which develop participant autonomy and practitioner competence and knowledge, using disease-specific measures over time.

Pain mechanisms for the practicing rheumatologist

Pain in rheumatic diseases transcends the traditional nociceptive paradigm, incorporating complex interactions between nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic mechanisms, as well as significant psychosocial factors. Advances in understanding chronic pain highlight the role of peripheral and central sensitization, and the emergence of nociplastic pain-a result of altered central nervous system processing. This modern perspective acknowledges the influence of mood disorders, environmental stressors, and cognitive patterns like catastrophizing, revealing the intricate interplay between biological, psychological, and social determinants of pain. Research emphasizes the brain's pivotal role in pain perception, underscoring the importance of comprehensive approaches that integrate medical, psychological, and social interventions to address the multifaceted nature of chronic pain in rheumatic diseases effectively.

Cultural engagement and prevalence of pain in socially isolated older people: a longitudinal modified treatment policy approach

Background

It remains uncertain whether cultural engagement positively influences the reduction of pain risk, particularly depending on the social isolation status. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of cultural engagement on the reduction of pain prevalence over a 6-year follow-up period among older people, particularly those experiencing different dimensions of social isolation.

Methods

This study was a prospective longitudinal study. We analysed the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing cohort, consisting of 6468 community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years old who provided data in waves 6 (2012-2013), 7 (2014-2015), 8 (2016-2017), and 9 (2018-2019). Self-reported cultural engagement (going to museums, art galleries, exhibitions, the theatre, concerts, or the opera) measured in waves 6-8 was used as the exposure variable. Meanwhile self-reported moderate-to-severe pain in wave 9 was used as the outcome variable. Social isolation was considered in waves 6-8, and the possibility of effect modification was captured by assessing each component of the social isolation index: not married or cohabiting with a partner, fewer than monthly contact with children/other immediate family/friends, and not engaging in any organisations, religious groups, or committees.

Findings

The estimated pain prevalence was 29.2% (95% confidence interval, 28.1-30.3; reference) after adjusting for time-variant, time-invariant, and loss to follow-up factors. Cultural engagement led to a reduction in pain prevalence to 24.1% for all individuals, representing a decrease of 5.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.6-9.6; P-value, 0.03). In older people who were not married or cohabiting, cultural engagement resulted in a decrease in pain prevalence to 25.8%, a reduction of 3.4% (95% confidence interval, 0.4-6.4; P-value, 0.01). For those with less frequent contact with close family members, the pain prevalence decreased to 25.3%, a reduction of 3.9% (95% confidence interval, 0.2-7.6; P-value, 0.03). Meanwhile, other dimensions of social isolation did not show a significant reduction in pain prevalence.

Interpretation

Cultural engagement may help to reduce the risk of pain in socially isolated older adults. Those who were single or living alone and had less frequent contact with immediate family were particularly vulnerable. While cultural engagement might help certain socially isolated older people feel better, its effectiveness varies, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Funding

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI Grant Number (22K17648, Ikeda).

Perceived Stress, Perceived Social Support, and Global Health in Adults with Chronic Pain

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is a common problem in adults that can have a significant impact on individuals' quality of life and on society. The complex pain experience emerges from a dynamic combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Previous research has shown that social support has positive effects on health-related outcomes through two mechanisms: direct-effects and stress-buffering effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the role that perceived stress, perceived social support, and their interaction play as predictors of global physical health and global mental health in adults with chronic pain.

METHOD

One hundred sixty-five adults with chronic pain completed measures of pain, perceived stress, perceived social support, global physical health, and global mental health.

RESULTS

Perceived stress but not perceived social support made a significant and independent contribution to the prediction of global physical health; both perceived stress and perceived social support made independent contributions to the prediction of global mental health. The perceived stress × perceived social support interaction did not make a significant contribution to the prediction of either criterion variable. The results suggested that perceived stress has an impact on both global physical and mental health, whereas perceived social support associated mostly with global mental health. In addition, perceived social support does not appear to moderate the impact of stress on global physical and mental health.

CONCLUSION

The findings are more consistent with a direct-effects model than a stress-buffering model of social support.

Bidirectional, longitudinal associations between chronic pain and family functioning in youth with spina bifida

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pain does not reside within an individual. Pain is affected by and affects larger systems (e.g., families). We examined longitudinal, bidirectional associations between chronic pain and family functioning in spina bifida (SB). We hypothesized a bidirectional association between pain and family functioning (cohesion and conflict); youth chronic pain status would be associated with maladaptive family functioning and maladaptive family functioning would be associated with youth chronic pain status.

METHOD

Participants were from an ongoing longitudinal study of adolescents with SB (N = 140, 53.6% female, ages 8-15 at Time 1). Data were collected every 2 years, with this study using data from Times 1 and 2 (T1, T2; T1: 2006-2009, T2: 2008-2011). Parents reported on youth demographics and family functioning. Youth reported on family functioning and pain; pain was dichotomized into a categorical variable (chronic pain vs. no chronic pain). Family functioning (cohesion and conflict) was also assessed using observational data.

RESULTS

Youth chronic pain status was associated with decreased family conflict (child report) and increased cohesion (parent report) over time. Increased family conflict (parent report) was associated with a greater likelihood of reporting chronic pain 2 years later. Findings were nonsignificant between observed family conflict or cohesion and chronic pain in either direction.

DISCUSSION

With the presence of an additional stressor (chronic pain) families increase cohesion and reduce conflict. Increased conflict may increase a child's vulnerability of developing chronic pain. It is critical that interventions for both pain and family functioning in SB are guided by a strengths-based model. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The relationships among symptom experience, family support, health literacy, and fear of progression in advanced lung cancer patients

AIMS

Fear of progression of cancer patients can affect their psychological well-being, while research on fear of progression of advanced lung cancer patients is limited. This study aimed to describe fear of progression among advanced lung cancer patients and explore the relationships among symptom experience, family support, health literacy, and fear of progression.

DESIGN

This study was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Convenience sampling was used to select advanced lung cancer patients from September 2021 to January 2022. The Chinese version of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Lung Cancer Module of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, Family Support Questionnaire, and Health Literacy Scale for Patients with Chronic Disease were used to collect data. The structural equation modelling was used to analyse the relationships among symptom experience, family support, health literacy, and fear of progression.

RESULTS

Of 220 patients, 31.8% had dysfunctional fear of progression. Better symptom experience, higher family support, and higher health literacy were correlated directly with lower fear of progression. Higher health literacy was associated indirectly with lower fear of progression through the mediation of better symptom experience.

CONCLUSION

Fear of progression among advanced lung cancer patients needs attention. Strengthening symptom management, building a strong system of family support, and improving patients' health literacy may be effective strategies to reduce fear of progression.

IMPACT

The research aimed to increase our understanding of the relationships among symptom experience, family support, health literacy, and fear of progression. Fear of progression screening should be integrated into the healthcare trajectory of advanced lung cancer patients. The results emphasize that improving symptom management, family support, and health literacy is important to alleviate fear of progression. Further interventions are warranted to relieve fear of progression for advanced lung cancer patients.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No public or patient involvement.

The Role of Resilience, Happiness, and Social Support in the Psychological Function during the Late Stages of the Lockdown in Individuals with and without Chronic Pain

There is mounting evidence to suggest that individuals with chronic pain adjusted poorly to and were impacted negatively by social distancing measures during the lockdown. However, there is limited data on the factors that might protect against the negative effects associated with social distancing measures, as most research has been conducted in the general population and in the initial stages of the lockdown. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of the role that resilience, happiness, and social support, all factors that are thought to have a protective role, played in the psychological function (measured as anxiety, depression, and stress) to the social distancing measures during the late stages of the lockdown in a sample of adults with and without chronic pain living in Spain. A group of 434 adults responded to an online survey and provided information on sociodemographic issues, which included measures of pain, perceived health and quality of life, depression, anxiety, stress, resilience, happiness, and social support. The data showed that individuals with chronic pain (N = 200; 46%) reported statistically significant worst psychological function, that is to say, they reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress (all ps < 0.001). Resilience, social support, and happiness proved to be significant predictors of anxiety, depression, and stress, after controlling for the effects of age, gender, and chronic pain. Although the effect sizes were small to medium, they are consistent with the findings of other studies. The findings from this study provide important additional new information regarding the associations between resilience, happiness, and social support and the adjustment to the social distancing measures during the late stages of the lockdown. These findings can be used to develop programs to improve adjustment to and coping with the demands of social distancing measures.

Significant other interactions in people with chronic low back pain: Subgrouping and multidimensional profiles

Background: Back pain is complex. Social support and significant other interactions influence the pain experience. Purpose: To statistically derive subgroups of people with chronic low back pain based upon their interactions with significant others, and profile subgroups across multidimensional variables. Research Design: Longitudinal cohort study. Study Sample: People with chronic axial low back pain ( n = 262). Data Collection and Analysis: Latent class analysis of significant other interaction data was used to derive subgroups of people with chronic low back pain. Subgroups were profiled across baseline multidimensional variables and one-year follow-up pain intensity, disability and bothersomeness. Results: Three clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (7.6%) characterised by the lowest distracting, punishing and solicitous interactions. Cluster 2 (16.0%) characterised by the highest distracting and solicitous responses and social support. Cluster 3 (76.3%) characterised by the highest punishing and lowest social support. Cluster 1 reported less disability than Clusters 2 and 3. Mindfulness was significantly different across all subgroups with Cluster 1 being most mindful and Cluster 3 least mindful. Depression, anxiety and stress were significantly higher in Cluster 3 than Cluster 1. Pain catastrophising was higher for Cluster 2 than Clusters 1 and 3. Cluster 2 had lower pressure pain threshold than Clusters 1 and 3. Conclusions: These results support the association between significant other interactions and the experience of back pain. Considering significant other interactions in clinical practice may be important for managing some people’s presentation.

Caregiving Role and Psychosocial and Individual Factors: A Systematic Review

Taking care of a person with a physical disability can become a challenge for caregivers as they must combine the task of caring with their personal and daily needs. The aim of this study was to assess the impact that taking care of a person who needs support has on caregivers and to analyze certain characteristics they present, such as self-esteem and resilience. To that end, a bibliographic review was carried out from 1985, when the first article of taking care of a person who needs support was published, to 2020 (inclusive), in the databases of Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, Pubmed, Eric, Psycinfo, and Embase. The search yielded a total of (n = 37) articles subject to review, following the guidelines established in the PRISMA declaration. The results show that caregiving was highly overburdening and negatively affected the physical condition and the psychological and mental states of caregivers. In addition, certain psychological characteristics present in caregivers such as having high self-esteem and being resilient were found to act as protective factors against the caregiving burden.

Effects of COVID-19 Social Distancing Measures in Individuals with Chronic Pain Living in Spain in the Late Stages of the Lockdown

Social distancing measures during the lockdown have had a negative impact on chronic pain patients' function. Research, however, has only focused on the early stages of the first lockdowns. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of the effects of COVID-19 social distancing measures on individuals with chronic pain living in Spain during the late stages of the lockdown. A group of 361 adults with pain participated in this study. They responded to an online survey and provided information on sociodemographic issues, pain, fatigue, perceived health, and quality of life. The data showed that most participants suffered moderate to severe pain and interferences with pain treatment and an increase in pain intensity during the lockdown. Most participants also informed us that fatigue had worsened during the lockdown (62%). Importantly, females with lower monthly family income and lower education have been found to be associated with greater levels of pain and fatigue. Despite this, participants perceived themselves as having good health and good quality of life. The findings from this study can be used to inform policy and specific responses for future COVID-19 waves and future pandemics where social distancing measures must be implemented.

Educational Needs and Resources for Teachers Working with Students with Chronic Pain: Results of a Delphi Study

Children and adolescents spend most of their time at school. Therefore, teachers could be of help to improve the quality of life of students with chronic pain while they are at school. The aim of this study was to identify teachers’ educational needs and resources to help improve the adjustment to and function in the school of students with chronic pain. A Delphi survey including two rounds was conducted. Overall, 49 needs were identified in the first round. They were related to education, training, organization/logistics, and communication with the family and the health care center. Among the most important needs, based on the importance given and consensus reached, were (1) having information about the most appropriate attitudes and responses to a student with chronic pain, (2) how to reduce absenteeism, (3) how to ease the return to school after a long absence due to his or her pain problem, and (4) how to establish effective communication with the family. The results of this study provide new important data on the educational needs and resources which teachers would like to have to help their students with chronic pain at school, which could be used to develop educative programs for teachers.

Video-based Pain Education in Schools: A Study With Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

School-based educational programs have shown positive changes in health-related behaviors among adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in pain-related knowledge among adolescents and in the use of positive responses to their peers' pain behaviors after watching a brief educational video.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-five adolescents (mean age=13.27; SD=1.17) participated and provided demographic and pain-related information. They also responded to a pain-related knowledge questionnaire before (T1), after (T2), and 1 month after (T3) watching a brief pain educational video, and to a modified version of the Inventory of Parent/Caregiver Responses to the Children's Pain Experience at T1 and at T3.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in pain knowledge for all participants between T1 and T2 (η2p=0.73) and between T1 and T3 (η2p=0.62). An increase in responses considered to be positive to peers' pain behaviors (ie, the promotion of well-behaviors and coping responses) 1 month after watching the educational video was also found. Interestingly, these results were not associated with the chronic pain status of the participant.

DISCUSSION

The findings showed that a brief and inexpensive educational video-based intervention in schools helps to increase pain-related knowledge and change responses to students with chronic pain. This has the potential to prevent chronic pain and related disability among students, and decrease bullying-like behaviors toward students with chronic pain.

The experience of Colombian boys and young men living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a chronic disease that primarily affects males and is characterized by progressive physical impairment and, eventually, death. This qualitative study aimed to explore and understand the experience of diagnosis and disease in young people with DMD living in Bogotá, Colombia. After securing approval from the Research Ethics Committee (CEI-ABN026-000311), nine individuals took part of a semi-structured interview, and their narratives were analyzed using thematic analysis. The main topics developed throughout the narratives were: negative representation of the disease; fear; difficulty expressing emotions; the patient-doctor relationship; the wheelchair; the caregivers and coping strategies. We conclude that young people affected by DMD face several challenging experiences that underscore the need for better, more respectful, and compassionate interactions with healthcare providers. Also, their experiences are indicative of a socio-cultural context that needs to become more responsive and compassionate towards young people and disability.

The role of physical, cognitive and social factors in pain interference with activities of daily living among individuals with chronic cancer pain

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to better understand the role that physical, cognitive and social factors play in pain interference with activities of daily living among individuals with cancer and chronic pain.

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study, interviews with 156 patients with chronic cancer pain were conducted across five tertiary level hospitals in the province of Tarragona (Spain). Participants were interviewed individually and provided information about the presence and characteristics of pain, fatigue, catastrophic thinking, social support and the impact of pain on their daily activities.

RESULTS

Pain intensity (β = 0.23, p = .003), fatigue (β = 0.26, p < .001) and pain catastrophising (β = 0.39, p < .001) were significantly and positively associated with pain interference in daily activities. Pain interference scores were not explained by social support (β = 0.12 p = .090) or socio-demographic factors (R²  = .005; p = .94).

CONCLUSION

This study provides important new findings regarding the association between physical, cognitive and social factors and function of individuals with cancer and chronic pain, thus supporting a biopsychosocial approach to the management of chronic pain in individuals with cancer.