ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Although craniofacial pain has been associated with negative psychological aspects, how the patient’s perception of their own illness could influence craniofacial pain is not elucidated yet. Therefore, this study aims to identify the main factors and beliefs about the illness that could influence pain intensity and pain duration in people who experienced craniofacial pain in the last 24 hours.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study comprised undergraduate students, aged between 18 and 40 years old, who experienced self-reported craniofacial pain in the last 24 hours. Participants answered questions regarding body functions, activities and participation, and personal factors based on the International Classification of Functioning (ICF); In addition, questions from the Brief Illness Perceptual Questionnaire (Brief IPQ) were applied. The analysis was carried out with a single and multiple regression model.
RESULTS:
The sample comprised 87 volunteers. Pain intensity and duration experienced in the last 24 hours were associate by concerns about the presence of an illness and the need for treatment. Pain intensity was specifically associated with the importance of treatment and the extent to which the patient is concerned about their pain (R2=0.108). Pain duration was associated with how much the individual is worried about their illness (R2=0.1459).
CONCLUSION:
Both pain intensity and duration experienced in the last 24 hours are associated with concerns regarding the presence of an illness and beliefs related to such illness treatment, which reinforces the influence of psychosocial aspects on pain perception.
Keywords:
Facial pain; Pain perception; Psychosocial functioning; Students
HIGHLIGHTS
Duration of pain can be associated with individual’s beliefs about the illness.
Beliefs and concerns about the illness could influence craniofacial pain intensity.
Education therapy could be an important key to management of acute craniofacial pain.