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Matias-Soto J, Pineda-Galan C, Martin-Sanchez AI, Gonzalez-Mesa JM, Aguayo-Alves A, Luque-Suarez A. Unveiling relevant emotions, cognitions, and behaviours from the viewpoint of people with chronic low back pain: A qualitative study with patient involvement. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2024; 72:103123. [PMID: 38905971 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.103123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To gain insight into the emotions, cognitions, and behaviours experienced by people with chronic low back pain (CLBP) undergoing invasive treatment in a pain unit. DESIGN A cross-sectional qualitative study based on individual interviews. This study included patient involvement in its design and development. METHODS An interpretative phenomenological approach was adopted to understand the multidimensional experience of patients. The interview script was a translated, adapted, and expanded version of the one proposed by Cognitive and Functional Therapy. A mixed coding method was applied to structure the interviews. Three themes were created, with the three most frequently reported emotions, cognitions, and behaviours as subthemes. A patient with CLBP approved the initial protocol and the aim of the study. Subsequently, the patient contributed questions to the interview script, checked the coding process, and approved the final version of the manuscript. RESULTS Twenty-two patients undergoing epidural infiltrations in a pain unit were interviewed. (i)"Fears", (ii)"Frustration", and (iii)"Worry" were the three most commonly expressed emotions. Cognitions related to (i)"Pain predictability", (ii)"Pain description and perception", and (iii)"Pain interference/disability" were also widely reported. The theme "Behaviours" was composed of the following subthemes: (i)"Strategies for managing symptoms", (ii)"Social behaviours", and (iii)"Strategies for coping with daily tasks". Noteworthily, cognitions related to the (i)"Diagnosis", (ii)"Health system attention", and (iii)"Medical prescriptions" arose from questions provided by patient involvement. CONCLUSION Patients with CLBP expressed a wide variety of emotions, cognitions, and behaviours that must be considered by health professionals with the goal of providing the best patient-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Matias-Soto
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Campus de Teatinos, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa, 3, 29071, Malaga, Spain; Chair of Health and Pain, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain.
| | - Consolacion Pineda-Galan
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Campus de Teatinos, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa, 3, 29071, Malaga, Spain; Chair of Health and Pain, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | | | | | - Adriane Aguayo-Alves
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Campus de Teatinos, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa, 3, 29071, Malaga, Spain; Chair of Health and Pain, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Alejandro Luque-Suarez
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Campus de Teatinos, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa, 3, 29071, Malaga, Spain; Chair of Health and Pain, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
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Vigdal ØN, Storheim K, Killingmo RM, Småstuen MC, Grotle M. The one-year clinical course of back-related disability and the prognostic value of comorbidity among older adults with back pain in primary care. Pain 2023; 164:e207-e216. [PMID: 36083174 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Back pain and comorbidity are common in older adults. Comorbidity is a promising prognostic factor for the clinical course of back-related disability, but confirmatory studies assessing its prognostic value are needed. Thus, the aims of this study were to describe the clinical course of back-related disability during 1-year follow-up in patients aged ≥55 years visiting primary care (general practitioner, physiotherapist, or chiropractor) with a new episode of back pain and assess the prognostic value of comorbidity on back-related disability during 1-year follow-up. A prospective cohort study was conducted, including 452 patients. The outcome measure was Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ, range 0-24) measured at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. The Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire was used to assess comorbidity count (CC, range 0-15) and comorbidity burden (CB, range 0-45). The RMDQ scores improved from median (interquartile range) 9 (4-13) at baseline to 4 (1-9), 4 (0-9), and 3 (0-9) at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Using linear mixed-effects models, we found that CC and CB were independently associated with RMDQ scores. A 1-point increase in CC was associated with an increase in RMDQ score of 0.76 points (95% confidence interval [0.48-1.04]) over the follow-up year, adjusted for known prognostic factors. A 1-point increase in CB was associated with an increased RMDQ score of 0.47 points (95% confidence interval [0.33-0.61]). In conclusion, the clinical course of back-related disability for older adults presenting in primary care was favorable, and increased comorbidity was an independent prognostic factor for increased disability levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ørjan Nesse Vigdal
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti Storheim
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rikke Munk Killingmo
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Milada Cvancarova Småstuen
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margreth Grotle
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, OsloMet-Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Stensland M. "If You Don't Keep Going, You're Gonna Die": Helplessness and Perseverance Among Older Adults Living With Chronic Low Back Pain. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:907-916. [PMID: 33033826 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the most common pain complaint among the rapidly growing older adult population. As part of a larger qualitative study examining the lived experience of CLBP among older adults, the objective of the present study is to understand how older pain clinic patients experience helplessness and also how they foster perseverance amid treatment-resistant CLBP. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using van Manen's phenomenological method, semistructured, in-depth, one-on-one interviews were conducted with 21 older pain clinic patients (aged 66-83) living with CLBP. Data were iteratively analyzed via line-by-line thematic coding. RESULTS Findings dually illustrate how participants were living a battle between helplessness and perseverance; the final thematic structure revealed 5 subthemes: (a) Feeling helpless because nothing works; (b) Feeling down and depressed; (c) Distantly wishing for an end; (d) Accepting the reality of my pain; and (e) The pain stays, I keep going. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study contributes a vivid illustration of older adults' CLBP illness experiences that are substantially underpinned by helplessness, depression, and a drive to continue thriving in old age. Practice implications include the need for clinic-based mood and suicide assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Stensland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio
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Bazargan M, Loeza M, Ekwegh T, Adinkrah EK, Kibe LW, Cobb S, Assari S, Bazargan-Hejazi S. Multi-Dimensional Impact of Chronic Low Back Pain among Underserved African American and Latino Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7246. [PMID: 34299695 PMCID: PMC8306928 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common, poorly understood, and potentially disabling chronic pain conditions from which older adults suffer. The existing low back pain research has relied almost exclusively on White/Caucasian participant samples. This study examines the correlates of chronic low back pain among a sample of underserved urban African American and Latino older adults. Controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, living arrangement, and number of major chronic conditions, associations between low back pain and the following outcome variables are examined: (1) healthcare utilization, (2) health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and self-rated quality of health; and (3) physical and mental health outcomes. METHODS We recruited nine hundred and five (905) African American and Latino older adults from the South Los Angeles community using convenience and snowball sampling. In addition to standard items that measure demographic variables, our survey included validated instruments to document HR-QoL health status, the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2, Geriatric Depression Scale, sleep disorder, and healthcare access. Data analysis includes bivariate and 17 independent multivariate models. RESULTS Almost 55% and 48% of the Latino and African American older adults who participated in our study reported chronic low back pain. Our data revealed that having low back pain was associated with three categories of outcomes including: (1) a higher level of healthcare utilization measured by (i) physician visits, (ii) emergency department visits, (iii) number of Rx used, (iv) a higher level of medication complexity, (v) a lower level of adherence to medication regimens, and (vi) a lower level of satisfaction with medical care; (2) a lower level of HR-QoL and self-assessment of health measured by (i) physical health QoL, (ii) mental health QoL, and (iii) a lower level of self-rated health; and (3) worse physical and mental health outcomes measured by (i) a higher number of depressive symptoms, (ii) a higher level of pain, (iii) falls, (iv) sleep disorders, (v) and being overweight/obese. DISCUSSION Low back pain remains a public health concern and significantly impacts the quality of life, health care utilization, and health outcomes of underserved minority older adults. Multi-faceted and culturally sensitive interventional studies are needed to ensure the timely diagnosis and treatment of low back pain among underserved minority older adults. Many barriers and challenges that affect underserved African American and Latino older adults with low back pain simply cannot be addressed in over-crowded EDs. Our study contributes to and raises the awareness of healthcare providers and health policymakers on the necessity for prevention, early diagnosis, proper medical management, and rehabilitation policies to minimize the burdens associated with chronic low back pain among underserved older African American and Latino patients in an under-resourced community such as South Los Angeles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (M.L.); (S.A.)
- Department of Public Health, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
- Physician Assistant Program, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
- Department of Family Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Margarita Loeza
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (M.L.); (S.A.)
- Department of Family Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tavonia Ekwegh
- School of Nursing, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (T.E.); (S.C.)
| | | | - Lucy W. Kibe
- Physician Assistant Program, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
| | - Sharon Cobb
- School of Nursing, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (T.E.); (S.C.)
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (M.L.); (S.A.)
- Department of Public Health, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
| | - Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi
- Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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Stensland M. Managing the Incurable: Older Pain Clinic Patients' Experiences of Managing Treatment-Resistant Chronic Low Back Pain. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2021; 64:405-422. [PMID: 33719939 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1898073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly prevalent disabling condition among older adults, and treatment remains a challenge. Limited research has qualitatively examined late-life CLBP and its management. Study objective was to examine how older adults experience pain management approaches for CLBP. Guided by van Manen's phenomenological method, 21 pain clinic patients (66-83) completed semi-structured interviews. Under the main theme "Managing the incurable," four subthemes emerged: (a) A quest for relief; (b) Spinal procedures offer temporary relief yet ongoing disappointment; (c) The apprehension of medication (d) Making things work for me. Social work practice implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Stensland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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