CHRONIC PAIN IN STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTENEGRO-ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS

Abstract

Chronic pain is a significant health problem for university students. However, research on the impact of chronic pain on students is lacking, as well as the support they need to overcome the consequences of chronic pain. The goals of this research were to examine chronic pain in students of natural and social sciences at the University of Montenegro, to determine personal emotions, attitudes and expectations towards pain. Methods. Cross-sectional research was conducted among students from the first to the fifth year of the Faculty of Philosophy in Nikšić (Psychology, Teacher Education), the Faculty of Science and Mathematics in Podgorica (Mathematics, Physics and Physiotherapy) and the Control Group (outside the University). A total of 1,500 students and the control group completed online questionnaire, of which 990 participants met the conditions). Statistical differences between groups, female and male individuals were tested using the chi-square test and t-test.( p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant).Results. In the observed groups of students of natural and social sciences there are differences in experiencing and describing pain. Social science students showed passivity in dealing with chronic pain. They prefer to leave the decision on the method of treatment to the doctor, and a third of them just take pills. Conclusions. By applying the obtained questionnaire, we can be determined different attitudes of students of natural and social sciences towards chronic pain, therapeutic approaches, as well as expectations. Students of natural sciences had more education about pain, so the emotion, attitude and approach to solving the problem was simpler.