Affiliations: [a] Rehabilitation Teaching & Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| [b] Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Mark Adams, Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit (RTRU), University of Otago, PO Box 7343, 23a Mein St, Wellington South 6242, New Zealand. Tel.: +64 4 385 5591; E-mail: markadamsphysiotherapy@gmail.com.
Abstract: PURPOSE:To explore associations between psychosocial factors and pain intensity and pain interference in a population with a new neurological injury on admission to rehabilitation, and after six months. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A longitudinal, prospective cohort study with participants with stroke or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) completing questionnaires for pain intensity and interference, mental health, pain coping strategies and pain attitudes and beliefs within two weeks of admission to inpatient rehabilitation. After six months, participants completed measures of pain intensity and pain interference only. RESULTS:In all 32 participants completed the questionnaires at baseline and 19 after six months. Several associations between a person’s mental health and certain beliefs were associated with pain outcomes. Additionally, poorer baseline mental health was associated with greater pain intensity and pain interference after six months, and a stronger belief in a medical cure for pain at baseline was associated with less pain intensity and pain interference after six months. CONCLUSIONS:Psychosocial factors are associated with pain early after stroke and SCI. Psychosocial factors are also associated with pain outcomes several months after stroke and SCI. This highlights the importance of psychosocial factors in both of these populations and their relationship with pain outcomes.
