An application of the biopsychosocial model for pain in Canadian Veterans Life After Service Studies 2019 survey

Chronic pain is highly prevalent and disruptive to the general population. Relative to civilians, Veterans are more likely to experience chronic pain due to occupational requirements during military service and associated psychological difficulties. The biopsychosocial model is a promising theoretical framework for understanding potential causes of chronic pain, as well as a path for implementing evidence-based interventions.

This study applied the biopsychosocial framework to data from the Life After Service Studies 2019 survey by modelling biopsychosocial predictors of chronic pain and controlling for relevant participant and military demographics. The use of structural equation modelling solutions allowed the biopsychosocial model to be assessed simultaneously as a model with latent variables, rather than traditional regression or logistic analyses.

Biological factors and a combined psychological and social factor were related to an increased likelihood of having chronic pain. The three-model solution showed anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideation, and life stress were positively associated, while hypervigilance, alcohol use, social support, and labour force status was negatively related to the latent variable.

Results showed specific biopsychosocial factors were related to chronic pain through different structural equation modelling solutions. Understanding the contribution of biopsychosocial factors can inform evidence-based interventions and policy changes through multidisciplinary approaches.