Pain-related Beliefs, Coping Strategies and Pain Catastrophization in Older People with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

Abstract

Background Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a major health concern among older people. The experience of chronic musculoskeletal pain is influenced by psychosocial factors such as beliefs, coping strategies, and pain catastrophizing. It is believed that culture can influence pain related factors and psychosocial factors vary across different cultures. Objective To identify the common pain-related beliefs, coping strategies and pain catastrophizing in older people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Dhulikhel among 150 older people. Semi-structured questionnaire gathered information on pain beliefs and coping strategies, while, pain catastrophizing scale was used to identify catastrophization. A convenient sampling was used and data were analyzed using SPSS, version 26. Result The median age of the participants was 69 years (IQR 10). The median pain score on facial pain rating scale was 6 (IQR 2). Participants believed that musculoskeletal pain was associated with aging (81%), past workload (64%) and karma (49%). They predominantly believed in doctors (78%) and physiotherapists (43%) for treatment. Nearly half also believed in spiritual healers. Commonly utilized coping strategies were self-statements like "I can handle anything" (89%) and it is not so bad, it's normal" (81%), massage (88%), God (87%) and exercise (84%). The level of pain catastrophization was not statistically significant among the participants. Conclusion The findings of the study highlighted the significance of beliefs and coping strategies in influencing pain experiences, suggesting a strong need of implementation of biopsychosocial approach in assessment and management of pain among older people.