Prediction of pain intensity based on pain catastrophizing and pain anxiety in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Pain Catastrophizing and pain anxiety are important variables in chronic pain perception, but little is known about their role in pain intensity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of pain catastrophizing and pain anxiety in predicting pain intensity in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

This study was a correlational study. From women with rheumatoid arthritis referring to Imam Khomeini Hospital and private clinics in Tehran, 100 patients were selected using convenience sampling method. Instruments used in this study included the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (Sullivan et al, 1995), the Pain-Anxiety Symptom Scale (McCracken et al, 1996), and the Visual Analogue Scale.

The results showed that pain catastrophizing and pain anxiety significantly predicted pain intensity in women with rheumatoid arthritis. The standardized regression coefficient for pain catastrophizing was 0/51 (P<0/001) and for pain anxiety was 0/30 (P<0/01).

Pain catastrophizing and pain anxiety can increase chronic pain in women with rheumatoid arthritis by increasing their pain intensity. Therefore, these factors need to be considered in the management and treatment of these patients.