Pain related beliefs in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Pain related beliefs have been found to influence the recovery, and it is essential to assess the beliefs of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Pain related beliefs such as pain catastrophising, fear avoidance, and self efficacy are some of the psychological factors that contribute to chronicity of pain. However, no studies have been found on pain related beliefs among the Indian population. Therefore, the aim of the study is to capture pain related beliefs in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in Indian population using a preliminary questionnare.

The Instiutional Ethics committe has approved and the study will be conducted on patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (spinal pain, fibromyalgia, knee pain, shoulder pain), pain intensity >3/10 (NPRS) since the last 3 months and in the age group: 20 to 50 years.Patients with whom communication is difficult and the non musculoskeletal causes of chronic pain and patients unwilling to participate in the study.

A preliminary questionnaire will be developed and face validated by subject experts inclusive of components such as pain catastrophising, fear avoidance and self efficacy.  The participants will be screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and a written informed consent will be obtained from the selected participants. The developed and validated pain belief questionnaire will be administered to the included participants. Responses will be obtained based on the questionnaire and results will be reported using descriptive analysis.