Chronic pain in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta and its relationship to appraisal, coping, and quality of life: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Chronic pain is a common experience in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). However, there are few studies on this topic, and none of them emerge from psychology as a discipline. The purpose of this work is to describe the frequency of chronic pain and its characteristics in a large sample of adults with OI, as well as its relationship with clinical, sociodemographic, psychological, and quality of life variables. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 418 adults with OI who answered a battery of online questionnaires. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, pain parameters, participants’ appraisal of pain, coping strategies, interference in daily activities, and health-related quality of life were evaluated. A descriptive and correlational analysis was performed. Up to 83% of the sample reported experiencing pain frequently. Both the frequency and intensity of pain were related to the accumulation of fractures over the years (P < .05), but were independent of other variables like the severity of the pathology or the use of bisphosphonates. Higher threat appraisal of pain was associated with an increase in perceived pain intensity and its interference with daily activities, as well as a decrease in physical and mental health (P < .001). Chronic pain frequent condition in adults with OI, regardless of the severity of the pathology. It interferes with their usual activities and has an impact on their quality of life. The way in which participants appraise their pain also have an influence on its intensity and its consequences. Interventions aimed at training strategies for managing appraisals about pain could potentially improve adaptation to chronic pain.

Exploring the relationship between personality and chronic pain in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta: A cross-sectional study

“…Based on the findings and mentioned research, it can be inferred that, according to the conclusions of Soriano et al, [28] although personality appears to influence stress mediating processes, it does not establish a strong and consistent relationship to be considered a robust predictor of such processes, at least in terms of coping strategies. However, it is important to note that in the previous study conducted with the same sample, [16] coping strategies did not show significant relationships with pain interference in daily activities and quality of life, which has also been noted in other studies. [68] Finally, in order to investigate the presence of a vulnerability profile to chronic pain, a cluster analysis was conducted using personality dimensions.…”

“…The frequency of pain was high, as previously described in a study with the same sample (Muñoz et al, 2022). Among the participants, 55% reported experiencing daily pain, while 16.5% experienced it several times a week and 12.4% experienced it several times a month.…”

“…The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between personality dimensions based on Costa and McCrae 5-Factor Model [22] and various aspects of chronic pain, including frequency, intensity, appraisal, and coping strategies, in a diverse international sample of adults with OI. This study builds upon previous research conducted with the same simple, [16] and readers can refer to that study for additional information on the topic.…”

“…On the other hand, conscientiousness established a significant correlation only with the self-affirmation strategy (r = .216, P < .000) (Table 4). For a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between pain appraisal, coping strategies, interference in daily activities, and quality of life, we recommend referring to the study conducted by Muñoz et al [16] using the same sample.…”

“…[ 14 ] According to this model, pain and individual characteristics interact to create a stressful situation, initiating an appraisal and coping process that ultimately leads to consequences affecting the initial situation. [ 15 ] In a prior study involving adults with OI, [ 16 ] it was previously reported that a threatening appraisal of pain was associated with increased pain intensity and interference with daily activities. These variables were, in turn, linked to a decline in health-related quality of life.…”