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Pain behavior predictors among fibromyalgia patients
Karen E Baumstark1, Susan P Buckelew, Kenneth J Sher
1Division of Clinical Health Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 501 Rusk Rehabilitation Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212 USA Departments of Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212 USA Departments of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212 USA Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212 USA.
This study validated a Pain Behavior Observation method for fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) patients. Age and physical disability were found to predict observed pain behaviors in FS.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pain Medicine
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and functional impairment.
- Objective measurement of pain behaviors in FS is crucial for treatment assessment and research.
- Existing pain observation methods may require validation for specific patient populations like those with FS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability and validity of a Pain Behavior Observation method for fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) subjects.
- To identify predictors of pain behavior among FS subjects.
- To determine if the observation method is independent of depression in FS patients.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-eight female FS subjects participated in a videotaped Pain Behavior Observation.
- Subjects completed self-report measures including the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS), and Symptoms Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R).
- Pain behavior totals were calculated using the Keefe and Block (1982) scoring method, adapted from back pain research.
Main Results:
- The Keefe and Block scoring method demonstrated generalizability and validity in the FS sample.
- A significant correlation was found between total pain behavior scores and self-reported pain.
- Interrater reliability for the observation method ranged from 0.90 to 0.99.
- Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that age and physical disability were significant predictors of total pain behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The Pain Behavior Observation method, using the Keefe and Block scoring, is a reliable and valid tool for assessing pain behaviors in FS.
- Observed pain behaviors in FS are influenced by age and physical disability.
- This measurement technique appears valid and independent of depressive symptoms in FS patients, offering a valuable objective assessment tool.