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The Influence of Psychological Factors on the Michigan Hand Questionnaire
Yekyoo Oh1, Tessa Drijkoningen1, Mariano E Menendez1
1Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Hand (New York, N.Y.)
|March 28, 2017
Summary
Psychological factors like depression and pain significantly impact upper extremity disability, as measured by the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ). Addressing emotional health is crucial for managing hand illness outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Psychosocial factors explain discrepancies between impairment and disability.
- Understanding these factors is key in managing upper extremity conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) and psychological measures in patients with upper extremity illness.
- To identify psychological predictors of disability in hand conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 135 patients with upper extremity illness completed web-based MHQ, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), PROMIS Depression, and PROMIS Pain Interference questionnaires.
- Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were used to assess correlations.
Main Results:
- Upper extremity disability (MHQ scores) was independently associated with PROMIS Depression, PROMIS Pain Interference, visit type, and working status.
- PROMIS Pain Interference showed the most significant influence, explaining 37% of MHQ score variability.
Conclusions:
- Less effective coping strategies and depression symptoms are key non-pathophysiological factors influencing MHQ scores.
- Emotional health plays a pivotal role in upper extremity symptoms and limitations, highlighting the importance of psychosocial considerations in hand illness care.
