Abstract
Background
Social context may be important in chronic pain. One focus is reactions to pain between persons with LBP and their partners. Researchers have investigated partner reactions and found influences on pain levels and psychological outcomes, but little is known about factors underpinning these reactions.
Aim
To investigate the associations of relationship quality and perceived partner responses with LBP intensity and disability.
Method
Participants with partners (n=174) in a cohort study of LBP in primary care were included. Data on pain intensity, disability (RMDQ), perceptions of negative or solicitous partner responses (MPI), relationship quality (RDAS) and depression and anxiety (HADS) was collected.
Results
Consensus (e.g. agreement about affection and sex) and satisfaction (frequency of arguments/disagreements) were significantly associated with pain intensity (p 0.01 and p 0.02). Solicitous partner responses (e.g. providing comfort, physical assistance) were significantly associated with patient disability (p 0.04). These significant associations only became apparent when depression was entered into the model, suggesting effect modification. Stratification by depression revealed associations between consensus and pain among those with high depression levels (p 0.04) and associations between solicitousness and disability in those with low depression levels (p 0.01). Overall, the models accounted for 14-17% of the variance in pain intensity and 26-29% of the variance in disability.
Conclusion
Results show associations of solicitousness, satisfaction and consensus with pain intensity and disability. However the effect varies by the presence of depression. Further research should investigate further the pathway of relationship quality, depression and pain.
Conflicts of interest: None
Source of funding: Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowship (KMD) [083572]
This abstract has not been previously published in whole or substantial part nor has it been presented previously at a national meeting.
