Social Relationship Quality Among Patients With Chronic Pain: A Population-Based Sample

Dissecting shared pain representations to understand their behavioral and clinical relevance

Accounts of shared representations posit that the experience of pain and pain empathy rely on similar neural mechanisms. Experimental research employing novel analytical and methodological approaches has made significant advances in both the identification and targeted manipulation of such shared experiences and their neural underpinnings. This revealed that painful experiences can be shared on different representational levels, from pain-specific to domain-general features, such as negative affect and its regulation. In view of direct links between such representations and social behaviors such as prosocial behavior, conditions characterized by aberrant pain processing may come along with heavy impairments in the social domain, depending on the affected representational level. This has wide potential implications in light of the high prevalence of pain-related clinical conditions, their management, and the overuse of pain medication. In this review and opinion paper, we aim to chart the path toward a better understanding of the link between shared affect and prosocial behavior.

IUPHAR review: Navigating the role of preclinical models in pain research

Chronic pain is a complex and challenging medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of chronic pain is a key goal of preclinical pain research so that more effective treatment strategies can be developed. In this review, we explore nociception, pain, and the multifaceted factors that lead to chronic pain by focusing on preclinical models. We provide a detailed look into inflammatory and neuropathic pain models and discuss the most used animal models for studying the mechanisms behind these conditions. Additionally, we emphasize the vital role of these preclinical models in developing new pain-relief drugs, focusing on biologics and the therapeutic potential of NMDA and cannabinoid receptor antagonists. We also discuss the challenges of TRPV1 modulation for pain treatment, the clinical failures of neurokinin (NK)- 1 receptor antagonists, and the partial success story of Ziconotide to provide valuable lessons for preclinical pain models. Finally, we highlight the overall success and limitations of current treatments for chronic pain while providing critical insights into the development of more effective therapies to alleviate the burden of chronic pain.

Systematic review of predictors of hospitalisation for non-specific low back pain with or without referred leg pain

Significant costs and utilisation of healthcare resources are associated with hospitalisations for non-specific low back pain despite clinical guidelines recommending community-based care. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the predictors of hospitalisation for low back pain. A protocol was registered with PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (#CRD42021281827) and conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Database search of Ovid Medline, Emcare, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, PEDro and OTSeeker was conducted. Studies were included if they examined a predictor of hospitalisation for non-specific low back pain with or without referred leg pain. Data was extracted and descriptively synthesised. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklists. There were 23 studies published over 29 articles which identified 52 predictor variables of hospitalisation for low back pain. The risk of hospitalisation was grouped into themes: personal, health and lifestyle, psychology, socioeconomic, occupational, clinical, and health systems and processes. There was moderate level evidence that arrival to an emergency department via ambulance with low back pain, and older age increase the risk of hospitalisations for low back pain. There was low level evidence that high pain intensity, past history of low back pain, opioid use, and occupation type increase the risk of hospitalisation for low back pain. Further research into psychological and social factors is warranted given the paucity of available studies. Hospital avoidance strategies, improved patient screening and resource utilisation in emergency departments are considerations for practice.

Experiences of pain debut and healthcare received in men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome

BACKGROUND

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is the occurrence of chronic pelvic pain when there is no proven infection or other obvious local pathology that may account for the pain. It is often associated with negative cognitive, behavioural, sexual or emotional consequences, as well as with symptoms of lower urinary tract, sexual or bowel dysfunction. As there is a close link between psychosocial factors and the development of myofascial pain syndromes it is important for healthcare professionals to have knowledge of how the pain begins and the activities at the debut of the symptoms.

AIM

The aim of the study was to explore men's experiences of the process leading to CPPS and healthcare received.

METHODS

Information was obtained from semi-structured video interviews with 14 men with CPPS. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. The text was then abstracted into codes and analysed with inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

The age of the informants ranged between 22 and 73 (median 48), and the duration with CPPS ranged from 1 to 46 years. Two themes emerged, one with the heading Struggling to pin it down with four subthemes and The helpful and unhelpful healthcare with two subthemes. The four subthemes show that the informants experienced difficulties in their lives in the months before the debut of symptoms, for some it was several years. They had specific triggers for the onset of pain. These included cold, trauma to the perineum, chlamydia infection and possibly secondary to a symptomatic urethral stricture. Confusion and frustration were an important element in the informants' overall experience of CPPS. Healthcare varied widely. The two subthemes about healthcare show expressions of being overlooked or wasting the doctor's time, but also the experience of being validated and being thoroughly examined.

CONCLUSION

The informants in our study described clear and specific triggers for CPPS such as being cold, having digestive issues and trauma to the perineum. Stressful events seemed to have a big impact on these informants and very possibly affected the start of symptoms. This information should be helpful healthcare professionals to understand the patient and his needs.

Friend or Foe? A Thematic Analysis of Adult Friendships and Chronic Pain Adjustment

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is a worldwide public health challenge. Despite chronic pain having biopsychosocial dimensions, its social contexts are less investigated. Although current evidence shows that chronic pain shapes and is shaped by interactions with romantic partners, research about friendships and chronic pain is scarce, and mostly focused on adolescents.

AIM

Drawing upon theories on friendship and social support, this study aimed to investigate the role of adult friendships on chronic pain adjustment and, the effect of chronic pain on adult friendships.

METHODS

This study drew upon a qualitative descriptive methodology. Sixteen adults with primary or secondary (non-cancer) chronic pain participated in individual semi-structured interviews, conducted using voice over internet protocol applications. Data analysis was guided by Clarke and Brown's guidelines for thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis of participants' (87.5% women; M_age = 43 years) stories revealed two themes. The first captured how friends promote/hinder adjustment to chronic pain by being: (1) (un)available and providing (un)needed support; and (2) (not)accepting and (not)accommodating to support life engagement. The second captured the negative effect of chronic pain on both parties' attitudes and behaviors towards the relationship, leading to smaller and more homogeneous friendship networks.

CONCLUSIONS

This study stresses the relevance of including adult friends in interventions to reduce the negative effect of chronic pain on friendships, harnessing their power to promote chronic pain adjustment. The findings bring new insights on a topic that has rarely been investigated in the pain field, hence pointing out innovative directions for future research and practice.

Brief Pain Inventory Pain Interference Subscale: Assessing Interference With Daily Living Activities in Older Adults With Multisite Musculoskeletal Pain

Objectives

This study aims to determine domains of pain interference in daily routines assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory, in relation to multisite musculoskeletal pain among older adults living in the community.

Design

The MOBILIZE Boston Study is a population-based study of 749 adults aged 70 and older.

Measurements

Chronic musculoskeletal pain was assessed using a joint pain questionnaire and grouped as: no pain, single-site and multisite pain. The Brief Pain Inventory pain interference (PI) sub-scale assessed level of pain interference (0–10 rating) in 7 domains including general activity, mood, walking, work, relationships with people, sleep, and enjoyment of life. Interference ratings were grouped as: none (0), mild (>0 and ≤ 2), and moderate to severe (>2) PI.

Results

PI was more common among women and those with less education compared to others. Older adults with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, depression, spinal stenosis, peripheral artery disease, and asthma/lung disease were more likely than their peers to report PI (p < 0.05). Multisite musculoskeletal pain was strongly associated with pain interference in all domains (p < 0.05). More than half of older adults with multisite musculoskeletal pain reported moderate to severe PI with general activity and walking. The highest prevalence of moderate to severe PI (score >2) in general activity was seen in participants with depression (62%), knee and hand osteoarthritis (71%) and peripheral artery disease (65%).

Conclusion

Greater attention to PI and PI domains such as general activity and walking, could aid in efforts to reduce the overall impact of multisite musculoskeletal pain among older adults.

An integrative review of comprehensive nursing assessment tools developed based on Gordon's Eleven Functional Health Patterns

PURPOSE

To evaluate the content and psychometric properties of comprehensive nursing assessment tools developed based on The Eleven Functional Health Patterns Assessment Framework.

METHODS

An integrative literature review following Whittemore and Knafl's method and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Searches on PubMed, Cinahl, and Virtual Health Library were conducted between September and December 2018.

FINDINGS

Six out of 146 records were included for review. Four articles were methodological studies and two were descriptive reports of the development of the tools. Tools were heterogenous in terms of their purpose, development, characteristics, and testing. Only one study provided data about construct validity. However, there were commonalities regarding the data that should be assessed in each tool.

CONCLUSIONS

Few comprehensive nursing assessment tools using The Eleven Functional Health Patterns Assessment Framework are available. Purpose, process of development, characteristics, and testing varied among the tools, and most lack robust psychometric testing.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

This review provided a synthesis of the literature regarding the use of a discipline-specific framework to guide comprehensive nursing assessment. The differences across the tools and the lack of psychometric testing compromise the visibility of nursing and make it difficult to emphasize the contribution of nursing knowledge to patient care.

Electronic Vaping Product Use among Young Adults Who Receive Care at a Major Medical Institution

Background: National estimates of electronic vaping product (EVP) use exist, but little is known about young adult EVP users who interact with the healthcare setting. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 18-25 year olds receiving care in our ambulatory medical practice. Population differences were evaluated with the chi square test reporting unadjusted odds ratios (ORs). Results: Response rate was 16.6% (n = 1,017/6,119). The prevalence of ever EVP use was 46.0% of whom 13.9% used every day. Each additional day of alcohol use (past 30 days) was associated with increased odds of being an EVP user (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.09), and cannabis use (past 30 days) was associated with a higher odds of being an EVP user compared to non-cannabis users (OR = 40.0, 95% CI 17.4 - 111.8). Observing a biological parent (OR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.98-4.24), step parent (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.02-4.19) and full sibling (OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.78-3.00) using inhaled substances (past 30 days) was associated with increased odds of being an ever EVP user. Ever EVP users had lower odds than never users to report that EVPs with nicotine are "a little" or "a lot" more harmful than smoking "regular" tobacco cigarettes (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.37 - 0.76). Conclusion: Our survey is limited by a low response rate but confirms observed associations between EVP use and substance use and social influences. Our data also suggest that professionals should regularly screen for EVP use among young people, especially those with exposure to family members who used inhaled substances.

Changes in substance use among young adults during a respiratory disease pandemic

Background:

News articles, commentaries, and opinion articles have suggested that ongoing social distancing measures coupled with economic challenges during COVID-19 may worsen stress, affective state, and substance use across the globe. We sought to advance our understanding of the differences between individuals who change their substance use patterns during a public health crisis and those who do not.

Methods:

Cross-sectional survey of young adults (18–25 years of age) assessing respondent characteristics and vaping, tobacco, alcohol, and/or marijuana use. We calculated prevalence estimates, prevalence changes, and prevalence ratios with associated 95% confidence intervals and looked for differences with the chi-square test.

Results:

Of the total sample, 53.2% (n = 542/1018) young adults reported vaping or using tobacco, alcohol, and/or marijuana. Among the 542 respondents reporting use, 34.3% reported a change in their use patterns. Among respondents reporting changes in substance use patterns during the pandemic (n = 186), 68.8% reported an increase in alcohol use, 44.0% reported a decrease in vaping product use, and 47.3% reported a decrease in tobacco product use due to COVID-19. Substance use changed significantly for respondents with increasing degree of loneliness (continuous loneliness score: prevalence ratio = 1.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.25), anxiety (prevalence ratio = 1.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.14–1.85), and depression (prevalence ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.13–1.82).

Conclusion:

Self-reported substance use among young adults was observed to change during a pandemic, and the degree of loneliness appears to impact these changes. Innovative strategies are needed to address loneliness, anxiety, depression, and substance use during global health crises that impact social contact.

Loneliness and Migraine Self-Management: A Cross-Sectional Assessment

Background: Chronic illness is often comorbid with the psychological state of loneliness. Models of care for patients who experience chronic migraines may often lack an understanding of psychosocial influences of the illness. Addressing the effects of loneliness on the health behaviors of chronic migraine patients may further elucidate gaps in care that exist beyond the biomedical approach to migraine treatment. The primary aim of this study was to assess the relationship between loneliness and behavioral health decisions in chronic migraine patients, specifically patient ability to self-manage, and effectiveness of treatments. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among patients (n = 500) with migraine and assessed for the experience of loneliness by using the University of California, Los Angeles-Revised (UCLA-R) Three-item Loneliness Scale and the extent of migraine-related disability via the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS). Furthermore, we evaluated patients for their ability to self-manage their migraines, and perceived effectiveness of treatment. Results: Nearly half of our population reported at least one measure of loneliness (230/500, 46.0%). Patients experiencing chronic migraine were statistically more likely to report feeling lonely when compared to patients with episodic migraines (P < .001). Patients who report loneliness had lower odds of feeling 'very satisfied" with their ability to self-manage their migraine symptoms (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.14-0.81) and had lower odds of feeling "very satisfied" with their ability to avoid conditions that cause their headache (aOR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.91). Conclusions: Loneliness has significant effects on the illness experience of patients with chronic migraines, including their ability to self-manage or be satisfied with their current state of care. Psychosocial models of care that address loneliness among patients with chronic migraine may help improve health outcomes and management.