Associations between Chronic Pain and Social Functioning in Primary Care

Abstract

Chronic musculoskeletal pain and reduced social functioning are public health concerns that increase one's risk for morbidity or mortality over time. This study examined the relation among chronic musculoskeletal pain, social functioning, and loneliness in Department of Defense (DoD) beneficiaries treated for chronic pain in primary care. We hypothesized: 1a) Social functioning would be negatively correlated overall with pain; 1b) The difference between social functioning at baseline to last treatment appointment would not be statistically significant; 2) Participants with higher social functioning at baseline would demonstrate greater reductions in pain; and 3) Social functioning scores would be negatively correlated with loneliness scores at r =-.30 or greater. The findings supported Hypothesis 1b, t(33) = .03, p = .98, and partially supported Hypotheses 1a, 2, and 3. Importantly, participants experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain over time, t(33) = 2.85, p < .01.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 16, 2021
Accession Number
AD1186106

Entities

People

  • Laura R Aldrich

Organizations

  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Brain Injuries
  • Demography
  • Department Of Defense
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Health
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Disorders
  • Mental Health
  • Muscular Diseases
  • Pain
  • Pain Management
  • Pilot Studies
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Social Networks
  • Social Psychology
  • Statistical Analysis
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Medical or Health Care Field.