Effects of COVID-19 Social Distancing Measures in Individuals with Chronic Pain Living in Spain in the Late Stages of the Lockdown.

Jordi Miró,Antonella Ciaramella,Elisabet Sánchez-Rodríguez,José Pais-Ribeiro,Alexandra Ferreira-Valente

doi:10.3390/ijerph182211732

Abstract

Social distancing measures during the lockdown have had a negative impact on chronic pain patients’ function. Research, however, has only focused on the early stages of the first lockdowns. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of the effects of COVID-19 social distancing measures on individuals with chronic pain living in Spain during the late stages of the lockdown. A group of 361 adults with pain participated in this study. They responded to an online survey and provided information on sociodemographic issues, pain, fatigue, perceived health, and quality of life. The data showed that most participants suffered moderate to severe pain and interferences with pain treatment and an increase in pain intensity during the lockdown. Most participants also informed us that fatigue had worsened during the lockdown (62%). Importantly, females with lower monthly family income and lower education have been found to be associated with greater levels of pain and fatigue. Despite this, participants perceived themselves as having good health and good quality of life. The findings from this study can be used to inform policy and specific responses for future COVID-19 waves and future pandemics where social distancing measures must be implemented.

Highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of citizens worldwide, those with pre-existing health conditions, including chronic pain [1].Chronic pain is a public health problem that places an enormous burden on individuals and society [2]
Solé and colleagues found that the lack of social support and social isolation were related to depression in a sample of young adults with chronic pain [6]
A group of 361 adults with pain responded to the online survey, of whom 243 had chronic pain

Summary

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of citizens worldwide, those with pre-existing health conditions, including chronic pain [1].Chronic pain is a public health problem that places an enormous burden on individuals and society [2]. The biopsychosocial model of chronic pain hypothesizes that pain and its impact are influenced by biological, psychological and social factors [3]. The influence of social factors has been studied less than the influence of biological and psychological factors [4], research has shown that social support is associated with the physical and psychological function of individuals with chronic pain. In a study of young people with disabilities and chronic pain, Miró and colleagues [5] found that social support was negatively associated with physical function and fatigue. Solé and colleagues found that the lack of social support and social isolation were related to depression in a sample of young adults with chronic pain [6]. Social support has been reported to be a protective factor for

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