Avaliação biopsicossocial de pacientes com dor lombar de um hospital público no Brasil: estudo transversal observacional

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to characterize within the biopsychosocial understanding, patients with low back pain who sought for the physiotherapy service of a public hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out to assess biopsychosocial aspects related to pain in a public service in an underdeveloped country. To characterize patients with low back pain, considering the biopsychosocial aspect, data were collected regarding socioeconomic condition and lifestyle habits, pain intensity, functionality, considering psychological aspects, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, central sensitization, depression and anxiety, were assessed with specific scales and questionnaires. Results: The study included 300 patients with low back pain, 70% of the sample was composed of women, with a mean age of 54 years and with socioeconomic vulnerability. The sample was marked by the high prevalence of previous treatments and imaging exams, showed an average level of disability and scores on psychological scales that suggest the presence of limiting beliefs and behaviors regarding pain and movement, in addition to 47% present a high risk for persistent disability and poor prognosis. Conclusion: The main descriptive findings of this study were a sample with chronic low back pain, mostly represented by an unemployed population, with low income, low education level, with a high average time of exposure to symptoms, and an average level of disability. With regard to psychosocial factors, a large part of the sample had a high risk of poor prognosis and persistent disability, in addition to scores that suggest the presence of catastrophic thoughts, anxiety, fear of movement, and central sensitization.