Beliefs About Pain Control Questionnaire Research Articles

Pain and Coping Strategies as Determinants of Malnutrition Risk in Lung Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Progressive cachexia and malnutrition severely impact the physical and mental condition of cancer patients. Pain is a prognostic factor for shorter survival in cancer patients, and coping strategies are crucial for adapting to treatment and dietary regimens. This study assessed pain levels, pain-related beliefs, and coping strategies as factors increasing malnutrition risk in 257 lung cancer patients. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ), and Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) were used. Overall, 42.8% of patients were at risk of malnutrition, and 17.5% were malnourished. Nutritional status negatively correlated with CSQ domains: reinterpretation of pain (RP: rho = -0.194; p = 0.002), catastrophizing (CP: rho = -0.414; p = 0.001), ignoring pain (IP: rho = -0.198; p = 0.001), praying/hoping (PH: rho = -0.253; p < 0.001), and coping self-statements (CS: rho = -0.172; p = 0.006); and BPCQ domains: the power of doctors (PD: rho = -0.196; p = 0.002) and VAS (rho = -0.451; p < 0.001). Nutritional status positively correlated with CSQ domains: pain control (PC: rho = 0.499; p < 0.001) and the ability to reduce pain (AR: rho = 0.512; p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, a better nutritional status was associated with a younger age (β = -0.094; p < 0.001), non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (β = 1.218; p = 0.037), a greater ability to reduce pain (CSQ-AR) (β = 0.901; p < 0.001), lower catastrophizing (CSQ-CP) (β = -0.165; p = 0.001), and lower pain perceived (VAS) (β = 0.639; p < 0.001). Statistical analyses included Spearman's correlation and multivariate regression with a significance level of p < 0.05. Patients with a normal nutritional status had reduced doctor involvement in pain control, less frequent negative coping strategies, and more common positive coping strategies. A normal nutritional status correlates with lower perceived pain. A better nutritional status is linked to a younger age, NSCLC, lower pain levels, greater pain reduction ability, and lower scores in pain catastrophizing.

Factors Influencing Peri-Extraction Anxiety: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Fear and anxiety are common psychological responses to unpleasant stimuli, with dental fear being the fourth most prevalent type of fear or phobia. However, not all dental procedures cause the same level of anxiety, with dental surgery and tooth extraction being among the top five most frightening procedures in the field. Tooth extractions are also the most common surgical procedure in dental surgery. It is important to manage anxiety in the dental office by identifying the main factors. The study was conducted on a group of 250 patients. The survey technique and the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) were used in the study. Pain and stress intensity on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were measured in each patient before and after tooth extraction procedures. Young women and people from small towns had the highest levels of anxiety. The factor causing the highest level of anxiety was fear of complications. Patients undergoing extraction of retained teeth were characterized by higher levels of anxiety. Perioperative stress is strongly dependent on numerous factors. For patient comfort, it may be crucial for dentists to have knowledge about these factors and the ability to utilize them to reduce stress before and after tooth extractions.

Factors conditioning pain control and reduction in post-cesarean section parturients: a cross-sectional study.

Pain experienced by women in the perinatal period constitutes a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. The aim of the study was to assess conditions of pain locus of control and pain reduction in post-cesarean section parturients. A cross-sectional quantitative study with convenience sampling was performed among 175 hospitalized post-cesarean section women in hospitals in Eastern Poland in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. A self-design questionnaire regarding general information and obstetrics/gynaecology medical interview, The Pain Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) and The Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) were used. The inclusion criteria were as follows (1) age of ⩾18 years old; (2) cesarean section (CS); (3) period from the 13th hour to the end of the 72nd hour after the procedure; and (4) informed consent. The data was analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics. Internal locus of control (M = 14.02) was provided the highest value by the parturients and followed by chance events (M = 12.61) and doctors' power (M = 12.18). Dominant coping with pain strategies in the post-cesarean parturients were coping self-statements (M = 19.06), praying or hoping (M = 18.86). The parturients assessed their pain coping (M = 3.31) strategies along with pain reduction (M = 3.35) at the moderate level. Higher pain control was correlated with cognitive pain coping strategies (β = 0.305; t = 4.632; p < 0.001), internal pain control β = 0.191; t = 2.894; p = 0.004), cesarean section planning (β = -0.240; t = -3.496; p = 0.001) and past medical history of CS (β = 0.240; t = 3.481; p = 0.001). The skill of reduction of pain was positively associated with cognitive pain coping strategies (β = 0.266; t = 3.665; p < 0.001) and being in subsequent pregnancy (β = 0.147; t = 2.022; p = 0.045). Catastrophizing and hoping were related to lower competences of coping with pain (B = - 0.033, SE = 0.012, β = - 0.206, T = -2.861). The study allowed for identification and better comprehension of factors conditioning pain control and pain reduction in parturients after the cesarean section. Furthermore, a stronger belief that pain can be dealt with is found in the parturients characterized by cognitive pain coping strategies and internal pain locus of control. The skill of reduction of pain is related to cognitive coping strategy and procreation status.

Beliefs about Pain Control in Patients after Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery-A Preliminary Study.

Introduction: Pain-control beliefs significantly influence the perception of disease and, therefore, may influence the treatment outcomes of surgical patients. The sense of control is related to the sense of agency and the ability to influence one’s own life and environment. This construct may be external or internal. The belief that pain control depends on internal or external factors can depend on many variables. This may be influenced by socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the source and cause of pain. The aim of the study was the assessment of the relationship between the intensity of postoperative pain and beliefs about pain control in patients after AAA surgery and assessment of the relationship between socio-demographic and clinical variables and beliefs about pain control in patients after AAA surgery. Materials and Methods: The research material consisted of 42 patients aged 57 to 85, hospitalized at the Department of Cardiac Surgery and Vascular Surgery of the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk. The research was conducted from March to September 2020. The study uses a survey technique based on a standardized research tool: the Polish version of the BPCQ (The Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire), the NRS (Numerical Rating Scale), and the author’s own questionnaire that allows for the collection of socio-demographic data. Results: The highest intensity of pain was observed in subjects with ruptured AAA H (2) = 6.19; p < 0.05 and subjects who underwent classic surgery Z = −2.95; p < 0.05 (non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test). Subjects with ruptured aneurysms are less convinced about the influence of internal factors on pain control H (2) = 5.26; p < 0.05. The respondents’ conviction about the influence of doctors on pain control increased together with their age, rHO = 0.38, p < 0.05. Conclusion: Pain intensity after surgery did not significantly correlate with beliefs about pain control. Patients with ruptured AAA are less convinced about the influence of internal factors on pain control. With age, patients have more confidence in their doctors than in themselves to control their pain.

Pain Control: Normalization of the BPCQ Questionnaire on a Group of Patients Diagnosed with Malignant Cancer.

The purpose of this article is to examine the applicability of the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) among cancer patients and develop norms that allow differentiation of patients with diagnosed cancer in terms of beliefs about pain control. Normalization aims to establish the value of test results in the study population. The study involved 1187 patients diagnosed with cancer in outpatient care Maria Sklodowska-Curie Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, in Warsaw. The applied tool was the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire developed by S. Skevington. The results are most strongly differentiated in each dimension of pain control by education, income, and professional status. Sten norms were developed to determine the level of beliefs about pain control in low, average, and high categories. The BPCQ assessment applies to cancer patients, and the assessment of the location of pain control in patients will allow for the identification of patients whose standard therapy should be supplemented with psychotherapeutic support.

Assessment of Pain, Acceptance of Illness, Adaptation to Life, and Strategies of Coping With the Disease, in Patients With Bladder Cancer.

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers and causes of mortality in Poland, significantly reducing the quality of life. The objective of the study was to evaluate the strategy of coping with the disease in patients suffering from bladder cancer. Four psychometric tests were used: the beliefs about pain control questionnaire (BPCQ), the pain coping strategies questionnaire (CSQ), acceptance of illness scale (AIS), and mental adjustment to cancer (Mini-Mac) test. Patients suffering from bladder cancer assign the greatest role in controlling pain to the influence of physicians. The most frequently chosen strategy for coping with the disease was declaring coping. The average level of acceptance of the disease among patients was mean=27.25. The most often indicated manner of coping was fighting spirit. Patients with bladder cancer are characterized by a constructive attitude towards the disease.

Perception of cancer in patients diagnosed with the most common gastrointestinal cancers

BackgroundGastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal cancer, stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer are among the most common cancers in Poland. Cancer patients usually assess their quality of life much worse than the general population, while negative emotions associated with the illness may affect the results of treatment.MethodsThe study involved 378 patients with colorectal cancer, stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer, treated as outpatients at the Oncology Center - Maria Skłodowska-Curie Institute in Warsaw in 2013–2018. Standardized tools were used in the study: the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ), the Pain Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), Approval Illness Scale (AIS), Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MiniMAC). The main goal of the study was to assess pain control, pain management strategies, illness acceptance and adaptation to cancer in patients with the most common gastrointestinal cancers.ResultsPatients with gastrointestinal cancers ascribe the greatest role in controlling pain to internal factors (M = 16.84, SE = .34), and the highest score in this area was obtained by patients with colorectal cancer (M = 17.33, SE = .35). The most frequently chosen strategy is declaring coping (M = 20.95, SE = .57), although patients with pancreatic cancer obtained a high score also in the area of catastrophizing (M = 17.99, SE = 1.14). The average value of illness acceptance for patients with gastrointestinal cancers was M = 25.00 (SE = .50) and it was the lowest in the group of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (M = 23.41, SE = 1.16), and the highest in a group of people with colorectal cancer (M = 27.76, SE = .51). Patients with gastrointestinal cancers obtained the highest values of the MiniMAC test in the area of the fighting spirit (M = 21.30, SE = .25), characteristic mainly for patients with colorectal cancer. Patients with pancreatic cancer were characterized by high anxiety and helplessness/hopelessness.ConclusionsPatients with gastrointestinal cancers use different methods of pain control and pain coping strategies, with active behaviors being preferred by patients with colorectal cancer and destructive - by patients with pancreatic cancer. The majority of socio-economic variables, as well as the treatment method, affect the patients’ behaviors.

Pain Perception and Acceptance of Illness in Patients Undergoing Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery under Drip Anesthesia.

For many years, cataracts have been the main cause of vision loss and vision impairments in the world (43% and 33%, respectively). Currently, the most common surgical method for treating cataracts is phacoemulsification. The aim of this study was to assess the pain perception and acceptance of illness connected with awaiting phacoemulsification cataract surgery under intravenous drip anesthesia, as well as to determine the effect of selected sociodemographic factors on the above. Methods: The study was conducted in a group of patients of the Department of Ophthalmology, University Clinical Hospital in Białystok, Poland suffering from cataracts, who underwent phacoemulsification surgery under intravenous drip anesthesia. The study group consisted of 151 people. The study used an original short questionnaire and three standardized psychometric scales: The acceptance of illness scale (AIS), the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ), and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ). Results: The median overall AIS point value was 24 points, which is considered an average score in terms of disease acceptance. Respondents assessed the influence of individual factors on the level of perceived pain and the impact of individual strategies for coping with pain similarly. The level of perceived pain decreased with the patient’s age. People with a higher education level experienced a greater level of pain; however, this relationship was not statistically significant. The place of residence did not affect the level of pain experienced during the procedure. Women had a greater level of acceptance of illness. The respondents’ education level negligibly differentiated the approach to the disease. The place of residence also did not affect the assessment of illness acceptance as measured by the AIS. Whether the surgery pertained to the first or second eye did not significantly affect the approach to the disease. Conclusions: The level of acceptance of illness and pain perception were at a moderate level among the patients. The acceptance of illness was significantly influenced by the age of patients and the waiting period for phacoemulsification, and this level of acceptance decreased significantly with the increasing age of patients. The longer the waiting period for surgery, the lower the acceptance of illness. Sex significantly differentiated the level of pain experienced during the procedure. Education and place of residence did not significantly affect the acceptance of illness and the feeling of pain.

Assessment of Pain, Acceptance of Illness, Adjustment to Life, and Strategies of Coping with Illness among Patients with Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is the fourth leading cause of deaths in Poland. The standard treatment for non-advanced gastric cancer is surgery, which significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. The objective of the study was to evaluate the strategy of coping with pain and its control, acceptance of illness, and adjustment to living with cancer in patients suffering from gastric cancer. The analysis of the impact of socio-economic factors on the above-mentioned problems was also analyzed. The study was conducted among 93 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer, treated on an outpatient basis at the Oncology Center—Maria Skłodowska—Curie Institute in Warsaw in 2017–2018. The PAPI (paper and pencil interview) technique was used. The questionnaire interview included metric questions (socio-economic variables) and four psychometric tests: BPCQ (the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire), CSQ (the Pain Coping Strategies Questionnaire), AIS (Acceptance of Illness Scale), and Mini-MAC (Mental Adjustment to Cancer) test. In the area of pain control, patients with gastric cancer assign the greatest role to internal factors (M = 16.34, SD = 4.93), although women obtained the highest value in the impact of physicians. In the area of coping with pain, patients most likely select the strategy of praying/hoping (M = 22.19, SD = 9.36). The mean value of acceptance of illness for patients with gastric cancer is M = 24.02, SD = 7.69, and it is not conditioned by any socio-economic variable. In the area of mental adjustment to illness, the highest values were obtained by positive reevaluation (M = 20.73, SD = 3.35) and fighting spirit (M = 20.68, SD = 3.98). Patients with gastric cancer control pain mainly through internal factors. The most frequently chosen strategy for coping with pain is praying/hoping, and positive reevaluation prevails in the field of mental adjustment. The results point to specific factors that can affect the patient’s pain, quality of life, and treatment outcomes. Knowing the diversity of these factors, it is possible to plan specific psychotherapeutic activities for specific groups of people that could be a supplement to the standard treatment process.

Perception vs pain and beliefs about pain control and Type A behavior pattern in patients with chronic ischemia of lower extremities or with rheumatoid arthritis.

ObjectiveThe study aimed at determining the experience of pain taking into consideration beliefs about pain control, Type A behavior pattern and sociodemographic factors in patients with chronic ischemia of the lower extremities or with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe study enrolled 100 patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and 100 patients with RA. The subjective sensation of pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); beliefs about pain control were analyzed using the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ), taking into consideration internal factors, the influence of physicians and accidental events (chance); and Type A behavior features (haste and competition) were analyzed using the Framingham Type A Scale. The multiple regression model was used to assess associations between the experienced pain and the BPCQ value, the Framingham Type A Scale and sociodemographic factors.ResultsThe pain intensity degree was found to be comparable in patients with PAD and with RA. The median determined using the VAS was 5.75 in both of the studied groups. In patients with PAD, lower VAS values were associated with the BPCQ – internal factors (P<0.05) whereas a higher VAS value was related to the BPCQ – physicians’ influence (P<0.001). In patients with RA, a higher VAS value was associated with BPCQ – physicians’ influence (P<0.05), disease duration (P<0.05) and smoking cigarettes (P<0.05).ConclusionExperiencing pain by patients with chronic ischemia of the lower extremities occurs at a moderate level and is beneficially connected with the internal factors and adversely connected with the external factors of beliefs about pain control. Patients with RA reported pain ailments of a moderate level in connection with the adverse influence of the external factors of beliefs about pain control, the duration of the disease and smoking cigarettes. Experiencing pain by patients with chronic ischemia of the lower extremities and RA does not seem to be related to Type A behavior.

Community periodontal index of treatment needs and pain control beliefs in relation to calcium-phosphate parameters and iron metabolism among hemodialysis patients

Abstract Introduction. According to scientific reports, lack of oral hygiene, as well as disturbances in the calcium-phosphate and iron metabolism disorders are the main causes of periodontitis. The analysis of factors influencing the development and treatment of periodontitis should be conducted parallel in the medical and psychological domain. Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the dependency between the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) and the beliefs about pain control and biochemical parameters of the iron, calcium and phosphate metabolism. Material and methods. The study was conducted on a group of 124 hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure aged from 24 to 90 (M=65.47; SD=15.65). The urea reduction rate (URR) was 71.24% and an average dose of dialysis (Kt/V) was 1.35. In the research time the indicators such as the values of serum levels of calcium and phosphorus, transferrin, ferritin, and iron were under control. Patients were diagnosed using the periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) and beliefs about pain control questionnaire (BPCQ) in Polish adaptation done by Z. Juczyński. In order to evaluate intergroup differences, the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used. Results. The hemodialysis patients with stage 2 or stage 3 periodontitis (according to CPITN) had the highest levels of transferrin and the lowest levels of ferritin (Table 3.). In contrast, the patients with stage 4 CPITN had the lowest level of transferrin and the highest level of ferritin. No statistically significant differences were observed between the five stages according to the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) in relation to the three domains of the beliefs about pain control questionnaire (BPCQ). Conclusions. The hemodialyzed patients with the most advanced periodontitis (stage 4 according to CPITN) had the lowest transferrin serum levels and the highest ferritin serum levels. They did not differ in pain control beliefs associated with the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN).

Illness acceptance, pain perception and expectations for physicians of the elderly in Poland

BackgroundAgeing of society is a significant challenge to public health, both socially and health wise. Adaptation to illness and its acceptance play an important role in control and patients’ self-control in many diseases of old age. The right attitude of doctors to patients, especially, geriatric patients determines, among others, a patient’s quality of life and acceptance of illness. Recently, there has been observed the rapid development of research on interactions between pain as a physiological process and its perception by an individual.The aim of the study was to evaluate the acceptance of illness, perception of pain and expectations of geriatric patients for physicians among the inhabitants of Bialystok (Poland) over the age of 60.MethodsThe study included 300 people, inhabitants of Bialystok and the surrounding area – aged over 60: 100 elderly residents of a nursing home, 100 students of the University of the Third Age in Bialystok and 100 students of the University of Healthy Senior. The study used three standardised psychometric scales: Patient Request Form (PRF), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and The Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ).ResultsThe median of the overall score of AIS was 26 points, which is considered average in terms of acceptance of illness. The median value of the influence of internal factors on the control of pain in case of BPCQ scale was generally16 of 30 points, the influence of physicians – 15 of 24 points, while random events – 14 of 24 points. The overall result for PRF scale proved that the respondents were the least expected to look for emotional support (5 of 12 points). It was established that the group affiliation significantly affected the result of AIS (p < 0.001). There was also noted a negative relation between AIS and the search for emotional support (PRF) depending on the group. The higher the AIS value, the lower the score in case of search for emotional support (PRF).ConclusionsNeither gender nor age played a significant role in acceptance of illness, control of pain or expectations for physicians. The key variable determining the occurrence of dependencies between the studied features was being a part of a group. The elderly residents of the nursing home were negatively distinguished from the other two studied groups. The respondents, in regard to other groups described in the literature, were characterised by relatively high values in illness acceptance, pain control and expectations for physicians.

Application of the BPCQ questionnaire to assess pain management in selected types of cancer

Pain is one of the most prevalent unpleasant sensation in people that may significantly lower the quality of life. More than a half of cancer patients suffer from various forms of pain, which becomes more frequent and intense as disease progresses. The objective of the study was to assess the degree of pain control in patients diagnosed with breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancer. The analysis also covered the effect of socio-economic factors on pain management in patients with the above types of cancer. The study included 902 patients treated at the Outpatient's Department of the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center - Institute of Oncology in Warsaw in 2013. The patients consisted of those diagnosed with breast, lung, colorectal or prostate carcinoma. The Paper and Pencil Interview (PAPI) technique was applied. A questionnaire interview included demographic-type questions (socio-economic variables) and the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) test which measures the power of factors influencing pain control in patients. It was demonstrated that regarding beliefs in the source of pain control, patients attributed the highest importance to the power of doctors (mean value = 16.60) and the lowest to chance events (mean = 15.82). The internal factors are regarded as having the strongest influence by respondents diagnosed with colorectal or breast cancer. With regards to the locus of pain control, only the internal control of pain is diversified by the primary site. With regards to the source of pain management, only the internal control of pain is diversified by the primary site. The external factors were regarded as having the strongest influence by respondents diagnosed with colorectal or breast cancer. The major socio-economic variables differentiating the way in which pain control is perceived are education and net income-per-household-member. The results of analyses of individual groups of patients revealled strong correlations between the beliefs in the doctors' influence, and the beliefs in chance events and socio-economic factors.

The Functioning of Patients with the Spinal Cord Stimulator

Introduction. Despite recent advancement in medical science, the effectiveness of therapies preventing or curing neuropathic pain is still not satisfactory enough.Aim. To assess the functional state of persons with the Spinal Cord Stimulator and their beliefs about pain management.Material and Methods. A total of 44 respondents with the Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) due to pain complaints in the lumbosacral region of the spine participated in the survey, in which the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) were applied.Results. Physicians scored 18 points (i.e.: 75.0% of the maximum score) in the RMDQ in their attempts to reduce the experience of pain and the respondents’ degree of disability was assessed as 15.8 (±3.2 pts).Conclusions. Pain complaints significantly decreased the quality of life in patients with the neurostimulator. The greatest influence on pain control was ascribed by respondents to physicians’ attempts. (JNNN 2016;5(2):53–57)

The measurement of psychological constructs in people with osteoarthritis of the knee: a psychometric evaluation

Purpose To examine the measurement properties of measures of psychological constructs in people with knee osteoarthritis. Method Participants with osteoarthritis of the knee completed the beck depression inventory (BDI-II), state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), arthritis helplessness index (AHI), fatigue severity scale (FSS), coping strategies questionnaire (CSQ), beliefs about pain control questionnaire (BPCQ), illness perceptions questionnaire-revised (IPQ-R), pain self-efficacy questionnaire (PSEQ) at home as part of a set of measures covering different aspects of osteoarthritis pain. The questionnaires were returned by pre-paid envelope. Rasch analysis was used to check the psychometric properties of the scales in people with osteoarthritis. Results The STAI-SF was an acceptable measure of anxiety and the revised FSS an acceptable measure of fatigue, with removal of items 1 and 2. The BDI subscales were acceptable for measuring negative thoughts and behaviours related to depressive symptomatology with some modifications to the scale. The helplessness scale of the AHI was acceptable as a measure of helplessness. The PSEQ was an acceptable measure of self-efficacy and the CSQ as a measure of cognitive coping strategies. The BPCQ and IPQ-R did not fit the Rasch model. Conclusions These findings indicate that questionnaires need to be checked for their ability to measure psychological constructs in the clinical groups to which they will be applied.Implications for RehabilitationFor people with osteoarthritis, the STAI-SF is an acceptable measure of anxiety and the revised FSS an acceptable measure of fatigue with removal of items 1 and 2.The BDI subscales, but not the total score, are acceptable for measuring depressive symptomatology with some modifications to the scoring of the scale. And helplessness can be measured using the Helplessness subscale of the AHI.The PSEQ was an acceptable measure of self-efficacy and cognitive coping strategies can be measured with the CSQ.Rasch analysis highlighted lack of unidimensionality, disordered response thresholds and poor targeting in some measures commonly used for people with osteoarthritis

Impact of beliefs about pain control on perceptions of illness in surgical patients.

Adequacy of pain management in surgical patients is a major contributor to overall treatment outcomes and positive illness perceptions. However, it may be subjectively predetermined by a patient's beliefs about pain control. This study assesses the relationships between beliefs about pain control and perceptions of illness in thoracic surgical patients. A total of 135 patients (72 women and 63 men; mean age 58.4±14.25y) were enrolled in the questionnaire study based on the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) by S. Skevington and the Multidimensional Essence of Disease and Illness Scale (MEDIS) by J. Sak. Analyses were conducted with use of the k-means clustering technique and one-way ANOVA. Applied classification revealed 3 different clusters of patients with regard to their beliefs about pain control: 1) weak, undifferentiated pain control; 2) intensified influence of chance pain control; 3) strong undifferentiated pain control. Significant differences in illness perceptions between clusters were disclosed in 3 MEDIS dimensions: self-realization constraints (F=4.70; p=0.01; 1 vs. 3), mental dysfunction (F=3.44, p=0.04; 1 vs. 3) and physical dysfunction (F=3.10, p=0.05; 1 vs 2). Patients in cluster 3 demonstrated a greater feeling of self-realization constraints and mental dysfunction than in cluster 1, whereas patients in cluster 2 perceived physical dysfunction as a greater distress than those in cluster 1. Beliefs about pain control significantly influence illness perceptions, and thus may affect the results of treatment in surgical patients. Psychological modelling of beliefs about pain control may offer a valuable way to improve overall clinical outcomes.

Assessment of pain, acceptance of illness, adjustment to life with cancer, and coping strategies in colorectal cancer patients.

IntroductionEvery year more than 15,000 newly diagnosed cases of colorectal carcinoma are recorded in Poland.AimThe objective of the study was an assessment of coping strategies and pain management, acceptance of illness, and adjustment to cancer in patients diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma. The analysis was extended to include the effect of socioeconomic variables on the above-mentioned issues.Material and methodsThe study included 238 colorectal cancer patients treated on an outpatient basis at the Centre of Oncology, the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Institute in Warsaw in the year 2013. The questionnaire interview comprised demographic questions (socioeconomic variables) and the following four psychometric tests: BPCQ (Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire), CSQ (Coping Strategies Questionnaire), AIS questionnaire (Acceptance of Illness Scale), and the Mini-Mac scale (Mental Adjustment to Cancer).ResultsThe source of pain control depends on the respondent's level of education. An increase in patient income was associated with a lower mean result in the “power of doctors” subscale. The coping self-statements and increased behavioural activity are the two most frequently selected strategies of coping with pain. The most commonly followed ways of mental adjustment to cancer in the study group were a fighting spirit (23.42) and positive re-evaluation (22.31).ConclusionsColorectal cancer patients believe that the greatest role in pain management is played by internal factors. The locus of pain control depends on the level of education. The study patients feature a constructive way of struggling with disease differentiated by the place of residence, professional status, and income.

Assessment of pain, acceptance of illness, adjustment to life with cancer and coping strategies in breast cancer patients.

IntroductionBreast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm in women. Over the past 40 years, the number of patients diagnosed with breast cancer quadrupled. Breast cancer is one of the most frequent causes of death in women aged 65 and more in Poland.PurposeThe purpose of the study was to evaluate coping strategies, pain management, disease acceptance and adjustment to cancer in patients diagnosed with breast cancer and to assess the effect of socioeconomic variables on the above mentioned issues.MethodsThe study included 193 patients diagnosed with breast cancer during outpatient chemotherapy (classical chemotherapy, hormone therapy, molecularly targeted therapies) at the Center of Oncology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Institute in Warsaw. We applied the Paper and Pencil Interview (PAPI) technique. The questionnaire interview consisted of demographic questions (socioeconomic variables) and the following four psychometric tests: BPCQ (Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire), measuring the influence of factors affecting pain management in patients, CSQ (Coping Strategies Questionnaire), designed to evaluate pain coping strategies, AIS (Acceptance of Illness Scale) questionnaire, measuring disease acceptance, and the mini-MAC (Mental Adjustment to Cancer) scale.ResultsThe results of BPCQ show that breast cancer patients mostly believe that doctors control pain; the mean result for the group was 17.09 and test values were differentiated by education and professional status. The top average score in the pain coping strategies questionnaire was recorded in the positive coping self-statement subscale (mean score = 21.81), whereas the lowest, in the catastrophizing subscale (mean score = 10.60). Here, education and income proved most significant in accounting for the differences recorded. The mean score on the AIS was 28.45, and the key factor differentiating the results was income. As far as the mini-MAC is concerned, we reported the highest score in the fighting spirit subscale (23.43). The average results in the scale were slightly differentiated by socioeconomic variables.ConclusionsBreast cancer patients mostly believe that those who control pain are doctors. Amongst the strategies of coping with pain, the top average score was recorded in the positive coping self-statement subscale. We found out that the level of disease acceptance depends on respondent’s income. The higher the income, the greater the acceptance of illness.

P03-377 - Sexual functioning and pain disorders in depressive women

IntroductionAs the incidence of depression, both in Poland and the world, has increased in recent years, it seems important to consider it in a wider context, including its comorbidities.AimsThe aim of the study was to assess anxiety, sexual functioning and pain disorders in women with depression.MethodsThe study encompassed 41 women, aged 18 - 65 years old, of whom 21 were assigned into the study group and 20 into the control group. The research was based on a two-part questionnaire. The first, general part involved socio-demographic data, basic patient history and sexuality-related questions. The other part was based on standardized tests, such as Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), McGill Pain Questionnaire - short form (SF-MPQ), Beliefs About Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).ResultsThe two groups were homogenous with regard to mean age, age at menarche and the BMI. The study group had significantly lower FSFI results than the control group, which implies greater severity of sexual disorders. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between depressive disorders (BDI) and pain disorders (McGill scale) was observed in the study group.ConclusionsTaking into consideration the multitude and severity of sexual functioning disorders and pain disorders in women with depression, careful diagnosis should be attempted in all cases. The participation of a sexologist and doctors of other specialties in both diagnosis and therapy should be considered.

Nurses’ in the multi-professional pain team: A study of attitudes, beliefs and treatment endorsements

Background and Aim It is widely accepted that chronic pain is best treated by a multidisciplinary team. Team approaches are best facilitated if all members understand their own and each others role. Roles and responsibilities have inherent values and beliefs which need to be understood if the team is going to function optimally. Little is known about the attitudes and beliefs of the pain team or the individual professionals within it. All members of the pain team therefore need to critically examine the values and beliefs they bring to these teams. The aim of this study was to start this process for nurses. This was done uniquely by: finding out what components of pain management nurses endorse as important; investigating their beliefs about pain management; and exploring whether nurses’ beliefs differ in relation to other service providers. Method Data from 103 nurses was extracted from a wider research study of the congruence between what service providers and service users believe to be important treatments for chronic pain. Nurses were surveyed regarding their opinions about which specific treatments or treatment components they would endorse for people with chronic pain. Skevington’s Beliefs About Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) was also included. This measured beliefs in three crucial areas; the internal or personal control of pain, beliefs that powerful others (doctors) control pain and beliefs that pain is controlled by chance events. Statistical comparisons were made between nurses who endorsed particular treatments and their belief pattern. Differences between nurses and other professionals and service users were explored. Results The study showed that nurses were high treatment endorsers. There was universal agreement to the importance of ‘The nurse’, ‘The multidisciplinary team’, ‘relaxation’, and ‘psychological assessment’ for chronic pain management’. Nurses’ endorsement patterns were different to the other professionals, because they endorsed more treatments. BPCQ scores were consistently lower than the other professionals and the service users. Conclusions The findings of this study are congruent with emerging literature highlighting the complexity of health care. The high endorsement patterns seen in this study could be taken as support that nurses are, either tacitly or overtly, aware of this need to approach pain management in an open-minded and flexible manner.