Socio-Cultural Factors and Experience of Chronic Low Back Pain: a Spanish and Brazilian Patients' Perspective. A Qualitative Study

Evaluation of three decades of the burden of low back pain in China before COVID-19: Estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Database 2019

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is reported as an urgent public-health concern globally because it occurs in all age groups and is now the leading cause of disability, with health systems unable to cope with this burden. We present China's burden of LBP by estimating its prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

We obtained the data relating to LBP from the Global Burden of Disease Database (GBD) 2019. Then we calculated years lived with disability caused by LBP by multiplying the prevalence of LBP sequelae by their corresponding disability weights. We performed an analysis of the age-, sex-, and province-specific prevalence and YLDs of 33 provinces/regions in China, as well as their relationship with the sociodemographic index (SDI).

Results

China has the largest numbers of people with LBP (91.3 million) and YLDs (8.6 million) globally, and LBP is the leading cause of YLDs. The age-standardised prevalence was 7.25% in 1990, and this decreased to 5.13% in 2019. The age-standardised YLD rate was 579/100 000 in 2019, having decreased by 28.97%. Both measurements increased with age, being higher in women and varying across the 33 provinces/regions. For the 5-to-14-year age group, the prevalence (4.50%) and YLD rate (4.51%) increased in 2019 from 1990 (3.21% and 3.21%, respectively) when compared to the elderly group. Age-standardised YLD rates experienced decreases with increasing SDI, while there was an increasing tendency as SDI increased further; the changes for women were more obvious.

Conclusions

Over the three decades considered, China has continued to have the largest number of people with LBP in the world, even though the age-standardised prevalence has decreased. YLDs were found to decrease as SDI increased, but they subsequently increased again. LBP still presents a burden, particularly for children and postmenopausal women.

Social suffering in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a secondary analysis of interpretative phenomenological study

Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experience suffering that affects their families and community relationships. However, no studies provide an explicit account of social suffering among these individuals. This secondary analysis was conducted to understand the lived experiences of social suffering in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The theory of social suffering guided the analysis of an interpretative phenomenological study. Thirteen individuals were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were generated: a) prevailing hopelessness and burden, b) progressing relational adversities, and c) struggling with co-dependency. Social suffering is a complex entity experienced by the patients and the family caregivers. For enhanced caregiving, health professionals could prepare patients to tackle the suffering through collective actions.

Improving Rehabilitation Research to Optimize Care and Outcomes for People with Chronic Primary Low Back Pain: Methodological and Reporting Recommendations from a WHO Systematic Review Series

Chronic primary low back pain (CPLBP) is a prevalent and disabling condition that often requires rehabilitation interventions to improve function and alleviate pain. This paper aims to advance future research, including systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), on CPLBP management. We provide methodological and reporting recommendations derived from our conducted systematic reviews, offering practical guidance for conducting robust research on the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions for CPLBP. Our systematic reviews contributed to the development of a WHO clinical guideline for CPLBP. Based on our experience, we have identified methodological issues and recommendations, which are compiled in a comprehensive table and discussed systematically within established frameworks for reporting and critically appraising RCTs. In conclusion, embracing the complexity of CPLBP involves recognizing its multifactorial nature and diverse contexts and planning for varying treatment responses. By embracing this complexity and emphasizing methodological rigor, research in the field can be improved, potentially leading to better care and outcomes for individuals with CPLBP.

Racial Disparities in Pain Among Women with Fibromyalgia: Secondary Data Analysis of Severity, Interference with Function, and Response to Guided Imagery

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread persistent musculoskeletal pain. Mostly prevalent among White women, little is known about FMS in other population cohorts. This study examined secondary data of a racially diverse sample of women with FMS that were collected as part of a randomized controlled clinical trial that examined the effect of a complementary therapy intervention over the course of a 10-week guided imagery intervention to identify demographic, social, or economic differences in self-reported pain. Materials and Methods: The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), which measures pain severity and interference, was administered to 72 women (21 Black and 51 Whites) at baseline, 6 and 10 weeks. Student's t tests and time series regression models examined racial difference in pain dimensions and treatment response. Regression models accounted for age, race, income, duration of symptoms, treatment group, pain at baseline, smoking, alcohol use, comorbid conditions, and time. Results: Black women experienced significantly higher pain severity (β = 5.52, standard deviation [SD] = 2.13) and interference (β = 5.54, SD = 2.74) than Whites (severity β = 4.56, SD = 2.08; interference β = 4.72, SD = 2.76) (interference: t = 1.92, p = 0.05; severity: t = 2.95, p = 0.00). Disparities persisted over time. Controlling for differences in age, income, and previous pain levels, Black women had 0.26 (standard error [SE] = 0.065) higher pain severity and 0.36 (SE = 0.078) higher interference than Whites. Low-income earners also experienced 2.02 (SE = 0.38) and 2.19 (SE = 0.46) higher pain severity and interference, respectively, than other earners. Results were robust to inclusion of comorbidities. Conclusions: Black women and low-income earners experienced significantly higher levels of pain severity and interference and a lower dose response to the intervention. Differentials were robust to inclusion of demographic, health, and behavioral characteristics. Findings suggest that external factors may contribute to pain perception among women with FMS.

A Qualitative Investigation of the Psychosocial Impact of Chronic Low Back Pain in Ghana

INTRODUCTION

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a global health concern associated with multidimensional/biopsychosocial levels of affectation in developed countries, with holistic management requiring consideration of these factors. There has been minimal research exploring the psychosocial impact of CLBP, and the factors influencing it, in African contexts, with none in Ghana.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the psychosocial impact of CLBP among patients with CLBP in Ghana.

DESIGN

Qualitative study using individual semistructured face-to-face interviews, underpinned by Straussian grounded theory principles and critical realist philosophy.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty patients with CLBP attending physiotherapy at two hospitals in Ghana.

RESULTS

Five categories: loss of self and roles, emotional distress, fear, stigmatisation and marginalisation, financial burden, and social support and three mechanisms: acquired biomedical/mechanical beliefs from healthcare professionals (HCPs), sociocultural beliefs and the socioeconomic impact of CLBP were derived.

CONCLUSION

CLBP adversely affects multidimensional/biopsychosocial aspects of individuals experiencing CLBP in Ghana. This delineates the need for a biopsychosocial approach to care. There is the need for HCPs in Ghana to reassess current CLBP management strategies to address the influence of adverse HCPs biomedical inclinations on patients' psychosocial consequences. Population-based education strategies and consideration of formal support systems for persons with disabling CLBP may also be beneficial.

The influence of cultural and religious factors on cross-national variations in the prevalence of chronic back and neck pain: an analysis of data from the global burden of disease 2019 study

Introduction

Low back pain and neck pain are among the most commonly reported forms of chronic pain worldwide, and are associated with significant distress, disability and impairment in quality of life. Though these categories of pain can be analyzed and treated from a biomedical perspective, there is evidence that they are both related to psychological variables such as depression and anxiety. The experience of pain can be significantly influenced by cultural values. For example, cultural beliefs and attitudes can influence the meaning attached to the experience of pain, the responses of others to a sufferer's pain, and the likelihood of seeking medical care for particular symptoms. Likewise, religious beliefs and practices can influence the both experience of pain and the responses to it. These factors have also been associated with variations in the severity of depression and anxiety.

Methods

In the current study, data on the estimated national prevalence of both low back pain and neck pain, obtained from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2019), is analyzed in relation to cross-national variations in cultural values, as measured using Hofstede's model (n =115 countries) and in religious belief and practice, based on the most recent Pew Research Center survey (n = 105 countries). To address possible confounding factors, these analyses were adjusted for variables known to be associated with chronic low back or neck pain, namely smoking, alcohol use, obesity, anxiety, depression and insufficient physical activity.

Results

It was found that the cultural dimensions of Power Distance and Collectivism were inversely correlated with the prevalence of chronic low back pain, and Uncertainty Avoidance was inversely correlated with the prevalence of chronic neck pain, even after adjustment for potential confounders. Measures of religious affiliation and practice were negatively correlated with the prevalence of both conditions, but these associations were not significant after adjusting for cultural values and confounders.

Discussion

These results highlight the existence of meaningful cross-cultural variations in the occurrence of common forms of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Psychological and social factors that could account for these variations are reviewed, along with their implications for the holistic management of patients with these disorders.

Challenges, Concerns, and Experiences of Community-Dwelling Older Women with Chronic Low Back Pain—A Qualitative Study in Hong Kong, China

Background and Objectives: Although chronic low back pain (CLBP) is known to negatively affect multiple aspects of the lives of older people, prior qualitative studies mainly focused on the lived experiences of older people with CLBP in Western countries. Given cultural and contextual differences and poor understanding of CLBP in older women with CLBP, it is important to better understand the concerns and lived experiences of Chinese older women with CLBP. The current study aimed to investigate the experiences, challenges, concerns, and coping strategies of older women with CLBP in Hong Kong. Research Design and Methods: A total of 15 community-dwelling older women with CLBP aged ≥60 years were recruited from a physiotherapy clinic or a community center for semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed ‘verbatim’. The transcription was imported to NVivo 12 software. Thematic analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s method. Results: Five themes were identified: (1) physical impacts of CLBP on daily life; (2) psychological influences of CLBP; (3) management of CLBP; (4) family support; and (5) social activities and support. Discussion and implications: Negative physical and psychosocial impacts of CLBP were common among older women, and they adopted diverse pain management strategies, although some of their treatment options were influenced by the Chinese culture. Misbeliefs and responses of family and friends also affected their management strategies. Elderly community centers are a significant source of social support for older women with CLBP, making it an ideal platform for establishing self-help groups to facilitate their self-management of CLBP.

Towards an ethical multiplicity in low back pain care: Practising beyond the biopsychosocial model

The biopsychosocial model is currently considered by most researchers and clinicians to be the best approach to low back pain (LBP) care. The model was popularised in LBP care in response to some clear deficiencies in earlier biomedical approaches and is now widely recommended in clinical guidelines and policy statements. Yet the biopsychosocial approach has also been critiqued for its narrow conceptualisation and application. In this article, we explore how attending to the multidimensionality of LBP in practice goes beyond a biopsychosocial approach. We engaged with 90 ethnographic observations of clinical practices, 22 collaborative dialogues with clinicians, and eight consultatory meetings with people with experience of LBP to consider the sociomaterialities of clinical practices in two settings: a private physiotherapy practice and a public multidisciplinary pain clinic. Drawing on the work of Annemarie Mol and Rosi Braidotti, our analyses suggest that sociomaterial practices, involving human and non-human actors, produced multiple objects of clinical attention and ethical concerns about how to attend to this multiplicity well. We argue that the multiplicity of LBP is attended well by reimagining: (1) clinical settings as 'becoming more-than-sterile environments' where objects, furniture and elements such as tears and laughter help to provide a relational, welcoming and comfortable space to all bodies with LBP; (2) differences through 'becoming minoritarian' where considering power relations allows actions towards connectiveness and belonging; and (3) disciplinary boundaries through 'becoming interdisciplinary within' where actions expand traditional scopes of practice. The flux of these multiple becomings moves clinical practice and conceptualisations beyond the biopsychosocial approach to consider a new ethico-onto-epistemological approach to LBP care. They invite clinical practices that engage with an ethical multiplicity of LBP care, providing a better understanding of how places, objects, emotions, power, bodies and professions are interconnected and come together in everyday practice.

Hipervigilância postural e percepção da postura correta sentada em indivíduos com e sem dor lombar

Objetivos Verificar se há diferença na hipervigilância postural sentada em indivíduos com e sem dor lombar. Além disso, observar se há diferença na percepção da postura correta sentada entre indivíduos com dor lombar e sem dor lombar.

Métodos O presente estudo possui delineamento observacional transversal, como tamanho amostral de 92 indivíduos, posteriormente divididos igualmente em dois grupos (com dor lombar e sem dor lombar). Foram utilizados dois instrumentos: a escala de hipervigilância para analisar a frequência que voluntários corrigem a postura sentada no dia; e o quadro de posturas para investigar a percepção dos voluntários sobre a postura correta sentada. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Normalidade de Shapiro-Wilk. Para comparar os valores da Escala de Hipervigilância foi utilizado o teste de Mann-Whitney e o teste Qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher para avaliação da postura correta sentada.

Resultados Não houve diferença significativa entre a hipervigilância postural sentada entre indivíduos com dor lombar e sem dor lombar. Não houve diferença significativa entre a escolha da postura correta sentada entre o grupo de indivíduos com e sem dor lombar.

Conclusão Não há diferença entre a escolha da postura correta sentada e quantidade de hipervigilância postural em indivíduos com ou sem dor lombar.

A Systematic Review of the Variation in Pain Catastrophizing Scale Reference Scores Based on Language Version and Country in Patients with Chronic Primary (Non-specific) Pain

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review aimed to investigate variations of reference scores for the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) between language versions and between countries in patients with chronic primary pain (CPP) or chronic primary pain, not otherwise specified (CPP-NOS).

METHODS

Electronic searches of the Ovid/Embase, Ovid/MEDLINE, and Ovid/PsycINFO databases were conducted to retrieve studies assessing PCS scores in adults with CPP or CPP-NOS proposed by the International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision for any country where the translated PCS was available. The protocol for this systematic review was prospectively registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews 2018 (registration number: CRD 42018086719).

RESULTS

A total of 3634 articles were screened after removal of duplicates. From these, 241 articles reporting on 32,282 patients with chronic pain were included in the review. The mean (± standard deviation) weighted PCS score across all articles was 25.04 ± 12.87. Of the 12 language versions and 21 countries included in the review, the weighted mean PCS score in Asian languages or Asian countries was significantly higher than that in English, European, and other languages or Western and other countries. The highest mean score of the weighted PCS based on language was in Japanese (mean 33.55), and the lowest was in Russian (mean 20.32). The highest mean score of the weighted PCS based on country was from Japan (mean 33.55), and the lowest was from Australia (mean 19.80).

CONCLUSION

The weighted PCS scores for people with CPP or CPP-NOS were significantly higher in Asian language versions/Asian countries than in English, European and other language versions or Western and other countries.

Assessing Pain Research: A Narrative Review of Emerging Pain Methods, Their Technosocial Implications, and Opportunities for Multidisciplinary Approaches

Pain research traverses many disciplines and methodologies. Yet, despite our understanding and field-wide acceptance of the multifactorial essence of pain as a sensory perception, emotional experience, and biopsychosocial condition, pain scientists and practitioners often remain siloed within their domain expertise and associated techniques. The context in which the field finds itself today-with increasing reliance on digital technologies, an on-going pandemic, and continued disparities in pain care-requires new collaborations and different approaches to measuring pain. Here, we review the state-of-the-art in human pain research, summarizing emerging practices and cutting-edge techniques across multiple methods and technologies. For each, we outline foreseeable technosocial considerations, reflecting on implications for standards of care, pain management, research, and societal impact. Through overviewing alternative data sources and varied ways of measuring pain and by reflecting on the concerns, limitations, and challenges facing the field, we hope to create critical dialogues, inspire more collaborations, and foster new ideas for future pain research methods.

"I don't want to be a burden" A qualitative study of the beliefs of women with chronic low back pain in relation to their painful experience

BACKGROUND

Women's pain is still poorly understood. Moreover, maladaptive pain beliefs contribute to the disability associated with low back pain and play a key role in the transition from acute to chronic symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the beliefs of women with non-specific chronic low back pain in terms of nature of symptoms, fears associated with pain, expectations for recovery, family, social and work-related limitations, and perceived self-efficacy.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A qualitative study with an interpretative approach was undertaken. Face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews were performed. Study participants were 10 women with non-specific chronic low back pain living in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. A deductive process was used to code the text and categorize the data.

RESULTS

Participants described maladaptive beliefs about pain, leading to fearful attitudes and low expectations for recovery. These beliefs seemed to perpetuate pain and limit engagement in daily tasks and meaningful activities. Some of these beliefs were associated with information provided by healthcare professions. Despite having maladaptive beliefs, women perceived themselves as self-effective.

CONCLUSION

Women with chronic low back pain described a range of different pain beliefs across a complex categorial structure. The contents of such structure may interfere with their decisions about therapeutic options. Their beliefs were often ungrounded in scientific principles, even if the information may have been provided by healthcare providers. Physical therapists would benefit from these findings to improve communication with their patients and assess the role of beliefs in decision-making.

Recommendations for the Development of Socioeconomically-Situated and Clinically-Relevant Neuroimaging Models of Pain

Pain is a complex, multidimensional experience that emerges from interactions among sensory, affective, and cognitive processes in the brain. Neuroimaging allows us to identify these component processes and model how they combine to instantiate the pain experience. However, the clinical impact of pain neuroimaging models has been limited by inadequate population sampling - young healthy college students are not representative of chronic pain patients. The biopsychosocial approach to pain management situates a person's pain within the diverse socioeconomic environments they live in. To increase the clinical relevance of pain neuroimaging models, a three-fold biopsychosocial approach to neuroimaging biomarker development is recommended. The first level calls for the development of diagnostic biomarkers via the standard population-based (nomothetic) approach with an emphasis on diverse sampling. The second level calls for the development of treatment-relevant models via a constrained person-based (idiographic) approach tailored to unique individuals. The third level calls for the development of prevention-relevant models via a novel society-based (social epidemiologic) approach that combines survey and neuroimaging data to predict chronic pain risk based on one's socioeconomic conditions. The recommendations in this article address how we can leverage pain's complexity in service of the patient and society by modeling not just individuals and populations, but also the socioeconomic structures that shape any individual's expectations of threat, safety, and resource availability.

Convergent and known group validity of the STarT Back Tool in a Nigerian population with chronic low back pain

Background The STarT Back Tool (SBT) was developed to aid the stratification of patients with low-back pain (LBP), based on future risks for physical disability.

Objective Investigation of the convergent and known group validity of the SBT in a Nigerian population with chronic LBP using disability-related psychosocial outcomes.

Method Cross-sectional study involved 30 consenting patients with chronic LBP in an outpatient physiotherapy clinic of a tertiary health institution in Nigeria. Future risk of disability was assessed using the SBT. Psychosocial variables of pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs (FAB), and kinesiophobia were assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, respectively. Data was analysed using percentages and Spearman correlation.

Results Based on the SBT, there were rates of 43.3 % and 23.3 % for low and high future risks of physical disability. The median score of pain catastrophizing was 13.5, that of FAB came in at 16.5 related to physical activity and 14.0 related to work, and the score for kinesiophobia amounted to 39. The SBT total scores moderately correlated with the FAB related to work (rho = 0.45 (95 % CI 0.09–0.700). FAB related to physical activity (p = 0.040) significantly differed across the SBT subgroups.

Conclusion The SBT and the other psychosocial instruments used in this study did not correlate to a sufficient degree. In addition, patients exhibiting catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, or kinesiophobia could not be differentiated based on SBT risk groups. The results should be interpreted with caution until findings from additional studies with sufficient sample sizes are at hand.

Low Back Pain-Related Disability Is Associated with Pain-Related Beliefs Across Divergent Non-English-Speaking Populations: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined relationships between low back pain (LBP)-related disability and pain beliefs, including pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, self-efficacy, and back pain beliefs, in non-English-speaking populations. Additionally, the effects of selected cultural factors (i.e., language/geographic area) on the strength of relationships were examined.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Nine databases were searched. Studies included observational or randomized control clinical trials. Eligible studies had to report estimates of the association between pain beliefs and disability. Pooled estimates of correlation coefficients were obtained through random-effects meta-analysis methods.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine studies, (n = 15,383) were included. Moderate correlations were identified between disability and pain self-efficacy (chronic LBP r = -0.51, P ≤ 0.001), between disability and pain catastrophizing (acute LBP r = 0.47, P ≤ 0.001; chronic LBP r = 0.44, P ≤ 0.001), and also between disability and pain-related fear (chronic LBP r = 0.41, P ≤ 0.001). Otherwise, weak correlations were identified between disability and most pain beliefs (range r = -0.23 to 0.35, P ≤ 0.001). Pooled correlation coefficients between disability and all pain beliefs (except the Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire-Work subscale) represent medium effects and suggest that lower disability was associated with greater pain self-efficacy, less pain-related fear, less catastrophic thinking, and less negative back pain beliefs about the nature and cause of back pain. Results were consistent across most language groups and geographic regions; few studies reported ethnicity or religion.

DISCUSSION

LBP-related disability was associated with pain-related beliefs, with consistency demonstrated for each pain belief construct across divergent non-English-speaking populations. Further research examining cultural factors, such as ethnicity or religion, and with a more diverse population is warranted.

What are important consequences in children with non-specific spinal pain? A qualitative study of Danish children aged 9-12 years

OBJECTIVES

It is currently unknown whether children, adolescents and adults experiencing non-specific spinal pain are affected by their pain in a similar manner. It is also unclear whether questionnaires developed for adults can simply be transferred to paediatric populations. The objective of this study was to explore the physical, psychological and social consequences of a life with non-specific spinal pain among Danish children and to compare these consequences with the content of common adult questionnaires.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A qualitative study based on individual interviews and focus group discussions with participants recruited from two public schools in Denmark.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-six children aged 9-12 years with spinal pain were invited to an interview using a purposive sampling strategy with age, pain intensity and frequency, and general well-being status as inclusion criteria. Nineteen (9 girls, 10 boys) accepted to participate.

METHODS

Data were transcribed verbatim and coded by following a thematic approach to elicit key concepts relevant to spinal pain. Subsequently, focus group interviews were conducted, and all codes were assigned categories corresponding to the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) for comparison to adult questionnaires.

RESULTS

Nineteen interviews were included, and 21 individual codes identified. Across the codes, five themes emerged in relation to children's experiences of living with spinal pain: 'Sports and play', 'Axial loading', 'Coping strategies', 'Mood changes' and 'Pain anxiety'. Codes and themes were elaborated on by the focus groups. Only approximately 40% of the identified ICF categories were covered by adult spinal questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

The negative impact of non-specific spinal pain on children aged 9-12 years pivots around codes which are considerably different to adults. Psychological and social factors were more prominent and pain anxiety was dominant in the lived lives of children. New questionnaires should be age specific and include the identified codes within each theme.

Pain Intensity and Fear Avoidance Explain Disability Related to Chronic Low Back Pain in a Saudi Arabian Population

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe multi-dimensional profiles for people with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and to examine the associations between CLBP-related disability and individual, psychosocial and physical factors in a Saudi population.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

CLBP-related disability is a multidimensional phenomenon. There is growing interest in exploring factors associated with CLBP-related disability in Saudi Arabia but research is limited in comparison to other countries.

METHODS

Participants completed questionnaires covering demographics, pain intensity, back beliefs, fear avoidance, psychological distress, and physical activity. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to measure disability. Participants also performed a standardized sequence of physical performance tests and a Pain Behavior Scale was used to evaluate pain behaviors during performance of these tests. The relationships between disability and all variables were explored using univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifteen participants were included, 63% of whom were female. Participants demonstrated moderate disability (mean [SD]: 26.6 [13.5]). The mean (SD) back beliefs score was 28.6 (7.3). Mean depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS 21) scores indicated mild distress; however, 26% to 39% scored in the moderate to severe range for at least one subscale. In univariate analyses, pain intensity and fear avoidance beliefs (physical activity and work) were moderately associated with disability (r = 0.56, 0.49, 0.52, respectively, P < 0.001), with all other factors demonstrating weak association. Multivariate regression revealed that pain intensity, fear avoidance beliefs, psychological distress, and participants' age were all found to be associated with disability, accounting for 52.9% (adjusted R = 0.529) of variability.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a unique insight into the clinical profile of people with CLBP in a Saudi Arabian population. Pain and psychosocial factors were significantly associated with disability. This study supports the contention that CLBP-related disability is a multifactorial biopsychosocial condition across different cultures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Prevalence & correlates of chronic perinatal pain - a study from India

Objectives: To study the prevalence of chronic perinatal pain among mothers who had infants between the ages of 13-25 months in the State of Kerala, India and to report its correlates in the socio-demographic, obstetric and psychological domains. Methods: A total of 9305 mothers selected by cluster random sampling were assessed cross-sectionally for chronic perinatal pain using a questionnaire by Junior Public Health Nurses (JPHNs). In addition, information regarding socio-demographic profile, obstetric history, infant details and perinatal depression were collected. Results: Of the 8302 (89.3%) valid responses, 552 (6.6%) mothers reported chronic perinatal pain. Among those with pain, 142 (25.6%) reported pain during pregnancy, 314 (56.7%) during postpartum and 96 (17.7%) during both periods. The commonest sites of pain reported were back 280 (51%) and pelvic region 110 (19%). Mothers with chronic perinatal pain were more likely to be younger, less educated, employed and from an urban background. Chronic perinatal pain was associated with obstetric complications, delivery by instrumental/caesarean section, non-exclusive breast feeding and higher maternal depression scores. Conclusion: Chronic pain is common among mothers in India during the perinatal period and greater attention needs to be given for it to be recognised and treated early.

Effectiveness of extrinsic feedback for management of non-specific low back pain: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Low back pain is the greatest cause of years lived with disability worldwide and is linked with high societal and economic burden. Neuromuscular control impairments are a common clinical presentation in patients with non-specific low back pain. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists commonly use feedback as a part of the management of low back disorders. This systematic review will aim to assess the effectiveness of extrinsic biofeedback for reducing pain, disability and recurrence of pain in patients with non-specific low back pain.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Systematic searches will be performed in CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus and Web of Science. We will include randomised controlled trial studies, if the study recruited patients with non-specific low back pain; compared extrinsic feedback versus either placebo or control; another intervention; or in addition to an intervention versus that intervention alone; and have used pain, disability scores or low back pain recurrence as outcome measures. We will exclude studies with designs other than randomised controlled trials. We will assess the risk of bias within included studies using the PEDro scale, and the strength of evidence using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval and patient consent are not required since this is a systematic review based on published studies. The results of this study will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017077888.

The psychosocial impact of leg ulcers in patients with sickle cell disease: I don't want them to know my little secret

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) impacts millions of individuals worldwide and more than 100,000 people in the United States. Leg ulcers are the most common cutaneous manifestation of SCD. The health status of individuals living with chronic leg ulcers is not only influenced by clinical manifestations such as pain duration and intensity, but also by psychosocial factors. Garnering insights into the psychosocial impact can provide a more holistic view of their influence on quality of life.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants living with active SCD-associated leg ulcers or with a history of ulcers. Subjects were recruited from an ongoing study (INSIGHTS, Clin Trial.Gov NCT02156102) and consented to this qualitative phase of the study. Five areas were explored: leg ulcer pain, physical function, social-isolation, social relationships and religious support. Data was collected from 20 individuals during these interviews and a thematic analysis was performed and reported.

RESULTS

Twenty participants with a mean age of 42.4 (SD ± 11.1years) were included in the study. Major themes identified included:1) pain (acute and chronic); 2) compromised physical function as demonstrated by decreased ability to walk, run, and play sports; 3) social isolation from activities either by others or self-induced as a means of avoiding certain emotions, such as embarrassment; 4) social relationships (family support and social network); 5) support and comfort through their religion or spirituality.

CONCLUSIONS

SCD patients with leg ulcers expressed that they experience social isolation, intense and frequent ulcer pain, and difficulty in physical function. SCD-associated leg ulcers have been studied from a clinical approach, but the psychosocial factors investigated in this study informs how quality of life is impacted by the leg ulcers.

Understanding cultural influences on back pain and back pain research

Low back pain is highly prevalent and places a considerable burden on individuals, their families and communities. This back pain burden is unequally distributed around the world and within populations. Clinicians and researchers addressing back pain should be aware of the cultural, social and political context of back pain patients and how this context can influence pain perception, disability and health care use. Culture, which influences the beliefs and behaviour of individuals within a social group, could be considered an important contributor to the unequal distribution of back pain. However, there is paucity of high-quality research exploring the influence of culture on the experience and management of back pain. Further development and testing of specific tools, assessment methods and communication strategies are needed to improve our understanding of how cultural practices, values and identifications affect those dealing with back pain.