Validation of the Chronic Pain Coping Inventory

The Chronic Pain Coping Inventory (CPCI; Jensen, M.P., Turner, J.A., Romano, J.M. and Strom, S.E., The Chronic Pain Coping Inventory: development and preliminary validation, Pain, 60 (1995) 203–216) is a recently developed questionnaire comprising eight main subscales that measure coping strategies that are frequently targeted for change in interdisciplinary pain treatment programs. Preliminary research, carried out by the developers of the CPCI, supports the reliability and validity of the scale. The purpose of the present study was to further examine the validity of the CPCI independently. In the present study, 210 patients were administered the CPCI, along with the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ; Rosenstiel, A.K. and Keefe, F.J., The use of coping strategies in low back pain patients: relationship to patient characteristics and current adjustment, Pain, 17 (1983) 33–44; Riley III, J.L. and Robinson, M.E., CSQ: five factors or fiction? Clin. J. Pain, 13 (1997) 156–162), and the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI; Kerns, R.D., Turk, D.C. and Rudy, T.E., The West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (WHYMPI), Pain, 23 (1985) 345–356) as part of a pre-admission screening. Principal components analysis with oblique rotation was performed on the 64 main CPCI scale items. An eight-factor solution was identified as most appropriate. The original subscales were generally supported, however, some modifications to scoring of subscales were suggested. As a second step in the study, the relationship between the modified CPCI subscales and the CSQ subscales were examined and their relative ability to predict concurrent adjustment to pain (MPI subscales) was assessed. Results indicated that CPCI subscales tap coping constructs that are conceptually different than the CSQ subscales. Several CPCI subscales were also found to be significantly and uniquely related to measures of concurrent adjustment, even after taking CSQ subscales and demographic and pain-related variables into account. These results suggest the CPCI is a valuable tool, above and beyond established coping measures, in the clinical assessment and research of pain. Directions for future research are discussed.     

Comparison of the redundancy, reliability, and responsiveness to change among SF-36, Oswestry Disability Index, and Multidimensional Pain Inventory

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Medical Outcomes Trust Short-Form-36 (SF-36), the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) measures on internal consistency, domain overlap, and responsiveness in detecting changes following multidisciplinary pain treatment. METHODS: 424 patients with chronic pain referred to a multidisciplinary pain center were assessed. Of these, 87 patients were assessed prior to and following treatment. Cronbach's alphas were calculated for each SF-36 and MPI domain, and for the ODI. Canonical correlation and regression analyses (R2) described overlap. Responsiveness to change was computed from treatment effect size and significance. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.69-0.92 for MPI domains, from 0.79-0.91 for SF-36 domains, and was 0.86 for the ODI. Three domains overlapped but several were unique (eg, the MPI "significant other" domains; R2 range 0.03-0.16). Significant changes following treatment were observed for the MPI Pain Severity, Interference and Outdoor Work Activities, the SF-36 Physical and Social Functioning, Bodily Pain, and the ODI. CONCLUSION: The MPI, SF-36, and ODI each have good psychometric properties. Three domains overlapped between the MPI and the SF-36: pain, Interference/Social functioning, and mental health. The MPI and the SF-36 each contributed unique domains such as the SF-36 General Health and Vitality domains and the MPI "significant other" and physical activity domains. Several of the MPI domains were among the most sensitive to change. Because of its large normative sample and samples of patients with diverse medical disorders, the SF-36 may be particularly useful to compare chronic pain patients to those with other medical conditions. The ODI has the lowest respondent burden. The MPI and SF-36, although containing much overlapping information, both make unique and complementary contributions to assessing patients with chronic pain.     

Factors in Outcomes of Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy for Chronic vs. Nonchronic Major Depression

The benefits, and variables influencing the benefits, of short-term dynamic psychotherapy for chronic major depression versus nonchronic major depression were examined for 49 patients. The two diagnostic groups started at the same level on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) and benefited similarly. The bases for the benefits were examined by linear models explaining 35% of termination BDI variance and 47% of termination GAF scores. By far the largest contributor to outcome was initial GAF, followed by presence of more than one comorbid Axis I diagnosis. Initial level of depression on the BDI was not a significant predictor of termination BDI. The chronic/ nonchronic distinction accounted for less than 1% of explained variance, and little was added by personality disorder, age, or gender.     

The relationship between cognitive appraisal, affect, and catastrophizing in patients with chronic pain.

A study was conducted to clarify the nature of catastrophizing, a construct that is frequently referred to in the chronic pain literature. Information regarding 3 affective experience and 3 affect regulation dimensions was gathered from a heterogeneous sample of 104 chronic pain patients by using a semistructured clinical interview and the Affect Regulation and Experience Q-Sort (AREQ). Self-report questionnaires included visual analog pain scales, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D). Hierarchical multiple regression was used to demonstrate the relative contributions of affective and cognitive appraisal components of catastrophizing. Thirty-one percent of the variance in CSQ-Catastrophizing scores was explained by a combination of cognitive appraisal variables (perceived ability to control pain; MPI Life Control) and AREQ scores, even after adjusting for pain severity and chronicity, age, and sex of participants. Results of the study strongly suggest that, rather than thinking of catastrophizing primarily as a cognitive coping construct, it should be described as an elaborate construct made up of both cognitive appraisal and affective components. Implications for tailoring interventions to match individual styles of affect regulation are discussed.     

Psychometric testing of the brief screening version of Multidimensional Pain Inventory (Swedish version)

Background:  The brief screening version of the Multidimensional Pain inventory (MPI) is a shorter version of the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory that measures pain in a multidimensional way and is theoretically linked to a cognitive-behavioural perspective on chronic pain.
Objectives:  The aim of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the 'brief screening version' of the Multidimensional Pain inventory Swedish version (MPI-S).
Methods:  An age-stratified cross-sectional study, comprising 384 people aged 18–102 years, was carried out in southern Sweden in 2005. Factor analyses were performed to investigate the factor structure of the instrument and inter-correlation between the sub-scales as well as external measures were used to assess convergent and discriminant validity. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha).
Results:  Mean scores and standard deviations are presented for the total sample as well as for each stratum. The inter-correlations revealed that discriminant validity was not satisfactory in the total sample, although the correlation analysis in each stratum showed acceptable discriminant validity in most age groups. The factor structure was the same as in the MPI-S in all age groups, except for those aged ≥90 years. Reliability tests (Cronbach's alpha) showed alpha values ranging between 0.68 and 0.93.
Conclusion:  The result showed that the instrument had acceptable validity and reliability in all age groups except for those aged ≥90 years. Thus, the instrument can be seen as a useful (multidimensional) form of screening for chronic pain.     

Results of a randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of a chronic pain self-management group for older adults [ISRCTN11899548

Chronic pain is a common, disabling problem in older adults. Pain self-management training is a multimodal therapy that has been found to be effective in young to middle-aged adult samples; however, few studies have examined the effectiveness of this therapy in older adults. In this randomized, controlled trial, we evaluated a pain self-management training group (SMG) intervention as compared with an education-only (BOOK) control condition. Participants, 65 years of age or older who experienced persistent, noncancer pain that limited their activities, were recruited from 43 retirement communities in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The primary outcome was physical disability, as measured by the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory), and pain-related interference with activities (Brief Pain Inventory). Randomization occurred by facility to minimize cross-contamination between groups. Two-hundred and fifty-six individuals, mean age = 81.8 (SD: 6.5), enrolled and 218 completed the study. No significant differences in outcomes were found between groups at post-intervention, 6-month follow-up, or 12-month follow-up. The SMG group showed a significantly greater increase over time, relative to the BOOK group, in two process measures, as measured by the Chronic Pain Coping Inventory: use of relaxation and use of exercise/stretching. In both cases, the increase was greatest from baseline to the post-intervention assessment. Study findings indicate that additional research is needed to determine the most effective content and delivery methods for self-management therapies targeted at older adults with chronic pain.     

Depression, coping, and functional disability in juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome.

This study describes pain characteristics, coping, depression, and functional disability in children with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) and compares them with a group of children with nonmalignant chronic back pain (CBP). Subjects were 18 female subjects (9 to 19 years of age) diagnosed with JPFS and 18 matched control subjects with CBP. Visual Analog Pain Rating Scales, the Pain Coping Questionnaire, the Children's Depression Inventory, and Functional Disability Inventory were administered. Results indicated that both JPFS and CBP groups reported significant disruption in functional abilities and school attendance as a result of chronic pain. Both groups reported mildly elevated symptoms of depression overall, but there was a subgroup of JPFS subjects who reported severe levels of depression. The JPFS group had suffered from pain for significantly longer than the CBP group before being referred for specialty care. However, pain duration was not significantly related to depression, functional disability, or pain coping efficacy. The levels of functional disability were similar in both groups, but the JPFS group reported somewhat more school absences. The longer time to receive specialty care and identification of a subgroup of depressed subjects at risk for long-term psychosocial consequences are of particular concern in JPFS.     

Sexuality and sexual adjustment of patients with chronic pain

Purpose: To describe sexual functioning and its relationship with psychological measures in chronic pain patients.

Method: It is a self report survey with a convenience sample. Seventy consenting chronic pain patients responded to a questionnaire. Mean age was 49-9 years (range 29–74); mean pain duration was 146–7 months (range 6–624). Participants endorsed a wide variety of pain conditions.

Instruments used: (1) Derogatis Inventory of Sexual Functioning; (2) Multidimensional Pain Inventory; (3) Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale; (4) Multidimensional Health Locus of Control; (5) Hopkins Symptom Check List; (6) Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory; (7) Coping Strategies Questionnaire.

Results: Sixty-six per cent of patients were interested in sex, 50% were satisfied with current sexual partner and 20% considered current sexual life to be adequate. Over 70% fantasized at least once a month. Only 44% experienced normal arousal during intercourse; 33% practiced masturbation and 47 % were involved in sexual intercourse or oral sex at least once a month. The majority were dissatisfied with orgasmic activities. No relationship was found between pain severity, duration, frequency and sexual functioning. A relationship was found between disability status, age and several psychological variables and various domains of sexual functioning.

Conclusions: Sexual problems are common in chronic pain patients. Patients who reported symptoms of depression and distress had more sexual problems.     

Breakthrough pain: characteristics and impact in patients with cancer pain.

Few surveys have been performed to define the characteristics and impact of breakthrough pain in the cancer population. In this cross-sectional survey of inpatients with cancer, patients responded to a structured interview (the Breakthrough Pain Questionnaire) designed to characterize breakthrough pain, and also completed measures of pain and mood (Memorial Pain Assessment Card (MPAC)), pain-related interference in function (Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)), depressed mood (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)), and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)). Of 178 eligible patients, 164 (92.2%) met the criteria for controlled background pain. The median age was 50.6 years (range 26 to 77 years), 52% were men, and 80.6% were Caucasian. Tumor diagnoses were mixed, 75% had metastatic disease, 65% had pain caused directly by the neoplasm, and a majority had mixed nociceptive-neuropathic pain. The median Karnofsky Performance Status score was 60 (range 40 to 90). Eighty-four (51.2%) patients had experienced breakthrough pain during the previous day. The median number of episodes was six (range 1 to 60) and the median interval from onset to peak was 3 min (range 1 s to 30 min). Although almost two-thirds (61.7%) could identify precipitants (movement 20.4%; end-of-dose failure 13.2%), pain was unpredictable in a large majority (78.2%). Patients with breakthrough pain had more intense (P < 0.001) and more frequent (P < 0.01) background pain than patients without breakthrough pain. Breakthrough pain was also associated with greater pain-related functional impairment (difference in mean BPI. P < 0.001), worse mood (mood VAS, P < 0.05; BDI, P < 0.001), and more anxiety (BAI, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that breakthrough pain independently contributed to impaired functioning and psychological distress. These data confirm that cancer-related breakthrough pain is a prevalent and heterogeneous phenomenon. The presence of breakthrough pain is a marker of a generally more severe pain syndrome, and is associated with both pain-related functional impairment and psychological distress. The findings suggest the need for further studies of breakthrough pain and more effective therapeutic strategies.     

Effectiveness of relaxation for postoperative pain and anxiety: randomized controlled trial

Title.  Effectiveness of relaxation for postoperative pain and anxiety: randomizedcontrolled trial
Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to determine the effectiveness of jaw and total body relaxation for postoperative pain, anxiety and level of relaxation, and to determine any patient expectancy effects.
Background.  Relaxation is increasingly suggested as a pain control technique that can be used by nurses in daily practice. A systematic review of the effectiveness of relaxation for postoperative pain relief revealed many poorly designed studies and only some weak evidence supporting the use of relaxation for postoperative pain.
Method.  A randomized controlled trial ( n  =   118) was conducted between 2002 and 2003 to compare total body relaxation, jaw relaxation, attention control and usual care. Consenting patients admitted for elective orthopaedic surgery aged 18 or over, able to speak English and able to tense and relax more than two muscle groups were included. Pain at rest and on movement, anxiety and relaxation were assessed at pre-admission clinic, pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours later. However, the trial was under-powered.
Findings.  There were statistically significant reductions in pain at rest from pre- to post-intervention for both the relaxation groups and the attention control group. The usual care group had a small increase in pain, whilst the other three groups had similar small decreases in pain. There was no statistically significant difference in anxiety or relaxation scores pre- to post-intervention between groups.
Conclusion.  Jaw relaxation could give these orthopaedic patients a small, very short-lasting additional amount of pain relief, and it may be that staff and patients feel this small benefit to be worthwhile.