Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate levels of life satisfaction in subjects with long-term
musculoskeletal pain in relation to pain characteristics and coping. DESIGN:
Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 232 (42%) respondents answered
self--report questionnaires regarding life satisfaction, self-efficacy, sense of
coherence, pain distribution and pain intensity at rest and during activity.
RESULTS: Levels of life satisfaction and scores for sense of coherence were low.
Pain intensity at rest was negatively correlated with global life satisfaction.
This result was also obtained in multiple regression analyses together with the
coping factors. The life satisfaction domains activities of daily living/contacts
were negatively correlated with pain intensity during activity, and the domains
work/economy were negatively correlated with pain distribution. Pain was not
associated with satisfaction with family life, partner relationship or sexual
life. Younger age, being married/cohabitant and being female were protective for
some domains. Clinically meaningful subgroups with regard to adaptation were
identified by cluster analysis, and the highest level of coping was found in the
adaptive cluster with high life satisfaction/low pain intensity at rest.
CONCLUSION: Long-term pain is related to low levels of life satisfaction, and
pain intensity and distribution influence satisfaction in different domains. Pain
intensity is negatively associated with coping. The results support efforts to
reduce pain, together with strengthening active coping processes and addressing
individual needs.

Langue : ANGLAIS