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Multiple pains in children and adolescents: a risk factor analysis in a longitudinal study
Birgit Kröner-Herwig1, Jennifer Gassmann, Hester van Gessel
1Georg-Elias-Müller-Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Gosslerstr. 14, 37073 Göttingen, Germany. bkroene@uni-goettingen.de
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|February 26, 2011
Summary
Multiple pains (MPs) affect over half of German youths, with girls being more susceptible. While psychosocial factors play a role, a biological pain vulnerability, especially in girls, is suggested as the primary cause.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple pains (MPs) are common in adolescents.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for MPs is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research suggests a link between psychosocial factors and chronic pain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of multiple pains (MPs) in a German youth population.
- To identify psychosocial risk factors associated with MPs.
- To examine the stability of MPs over a one-year period.
Main Methods:
- A general population sample of 2,219 German youths was surveyed.
- MPs were defined as pain reported at two or more body sites.
- Psychosocial factors and pain history were assessed one year prior.
Main Results:
- 54% of participants reported pain at two or more sites; 27% reported no pain.
- Girls reported MPs more frequently than boys.
- Prior MP, age, sex, internalizing/externalizing symptoms, and screen time predicted 25% of variance, with psychosocial factors having a small contribution.
- Risk factor profiles differed between genders, with higher predictability in girls.
Conclusions:
- A predisposition for pain vulnerability, particularly in girls, may underlie multiple pains.
- Further research is necessary to confirm and refine the understanding of pain vulnerability.
- The findings suggest a complex interplay of biological and psychosocial factors in adolescent MP.
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