Gender differences in chronic musculoskeletal pain – Role of kinesiophobia, acceptance behaviors, pain catastrophizing, and quality of life

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain not only has an impact on the daily functioning but also affects the society, family, professional, and social environment, thus disrupting the quality of life. Pain-related characteristics vary between the genders and have an influence on the physical and mental well-being of patients having chronic musculoskeletal pain. Aim and Objective of the Study: The aim of study was to assess the gender differences in kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, acceptance behaviors, and quality of life in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 219 (males = 103 and females = 116) chronic musculoskeletal pain patients. The following parameters were measured: Kinesiophobia using Tampa scale of kinesiophobia; pain catastrophizing using the pain catastrophizing scale; pain acceptance using chronic pain acceptance questionnaire; and quality of life using 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire. Results: No significant differences were observed between genders in kinesiophobia (P = 0.495), pain acceptance (P = 0.539); and pain catastrophizing (P = 0.422). However, a significant difference between genders was observed in quality of life, both physical (P = 0.000) and mental component summary (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Kinesiophobia, pain acceptance, and pain catastrophizing showed no difference between the genders in chronic musculoskeletal pain patients. However, women reported lower quality of life as compared to men. Pain-related characteristics and quality of life are important aspects to be evaluated and targeted rehabilitation programs addressing them in chronic musculoskeletal pain.