The impact of pain on quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

Abstract

Background Osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems. Pain is the most common complaint and the most significant cause of decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among osteoarthritic patients. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of pain on quality of life among patients with osteoarthritis and to assess the association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with HRQOL. Methods Using a cross-sectional study design, we collected data from osteoarthritis patients in orthopedic outpatient clinics from four hospitals in the Palestine-West bank between November 2020 and March 2021. We used the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) scale to assess pain and the Quality of Life scale five dimensions (EQ-5D) with the visual analog scale of the European Quality of Life (EQ-VAS) to assess HRQOL. Results In our study, 196 patients composed the final sample, with an average of 60.12 ± 13.63 years. The medians for the EQ-5D score and EQ-VAS score were 0.72 (0.508–0.796) and 70 (55–85), respectively. The pain severity score was found to have a significant negative association with both the EQ-5D and EQ-VAS scores with r of − 0.620, p < 0.001, and − 0.554, p < 0.001, respectively. Similar associations were found between pain interference score and both EQ-5D (r = − 0.822, p < 0.001) and EQ-VAS scores (r = − 0.609, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that participants with higher educational level (p = 0.028), less diseased joints (p = 0.01), shorter duration of disease (p = 0.04), and lesser pain severity and interference scores (both with p < 0.001) had significantly higher HRQOL scores. Conclusions We found that many variables have a significant negative impact on HRQOL among patients with osteoarthritis. Our finding provides a well-founded database to use by clinicians and healthcare professionals who work with patients with osteoarthritis, as well as educational and academic institutions.

Prevalence of pain and its association with quality of life of patients with heart failure in a developing country: findings from a multicenter cross-sectional study

“…Each of them received a score ranging from 0 to 10, and a pain interference score was calculated by summing up the marks earned on the seven questions, the resultant score was between 0 and 70 [ 22 ]. Patients with a total 10-point score of ≤ 5 were considered ‘low interference’, while those who have a score of > 5 were marked as ‘high interference’ [ 24 ].…”

“…Specifically, the total score ranges between 0 and 40, which was converted into a 10-point scale. A score of ≤ 4 was considered mild, > 4–6 was moderate, and > 6 was severe [ 24 ]. In addition, a picture of the human body is shown, which allows the patient to point to pain sites that he complains of.…”

Determinants of quality of life and hand function among people with hand osteoarthritis

“…One study's results indicated that psychological factors are strongly related to pain level 16 . Pain contributes to functional limitations and reduced QoL 17 . Physical function, bodily pain, and mental health are strongly associated with functional independence 18 …”

“…16 Pain contributes to functional limitations and reduced QoL. 17 Physical function, bodily pain, and mental health are strongly associated with functional independence. 18 Also, it is reported that women and older people, people with less than 12 years of education, those out of work, and those overweight have potentially higher prevalence of OA.…”

“…19,20 Many factors influence QoL and hand function, such as pain, joint stiffness and joint cracking during movement. 17 These factors should be identified to better manage patients with hand OA. The findings will be helpful in designing and initiating an effective method to improve QoL and hand function of patients with hand OA.…”