Chronic low back pain: assessment of mental distress, quality of life and pain-related activity patterns.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess mental health, quality of life, and patterns of physical activity in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), to compare these outcomes across socio-demographic factors, and to evaluate their relationship with subjectively perceived pain.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The research sample included 151 patients with chronic low back pain treated at a Pain Management Centre. Data were collected using the Numeric Rating Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, Patterns of Activity Measure-Pain scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results: Depression was identified in 48.3% of patients and anxiety in 45.7%. Depression was more prevalent among those receiving disability pensions (p = 0.048), and anxiety was more common in patients treated with pharmacological therapy alone (p = 0.014). Activity avoidance emerged as the dominant activity pattern, and 50.3% of patients reported a moderate level of physical activity. Patients with higher education reported better health satisfaction (p = 0.035). Average pain intensity showed weak negative correlations with overall quality of life (τ = -0.23, p = 0.001), health satisfaction (τ = -0.20, p = 0.004), physical health (τ = -0.21, p = 0.001), and psychological health (τ = -0.18, p = 0.003), and positive correlations with depression (τ = 0.15, p = 0.018) and anxiety (τ = 0.16, p = 0.008). Least pain intensity was negatively associated with physical activity (τ = -0.13, p = 0.034), while average pain intensity was positively associated with activity avoidance (τ = 0.13, p = 0.030).

Conclusions: The findings support the importance of a comprehensive approach to CLBP management that considers psychological distress, physical activity, and pain-related activity patterns alongside pain intensity. Individually tailored management strategies addressing these dimensions may contribute to more comprehensive care for patients with CLBP.