The influence of psychosocial factors on quality of life among women with pain: a prospective study in Sweden

To identify/quantify predictors of QOL among women with pain over time.

The study comprised 2,300 women aged 18–64 years with and without pain. A longitudinal panel survey with two waves of measurement, 1 year apart, by means of questionnaires was used. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify and quantify predictors of QOL.

After controlling for socio-demographics, physical health, and baseline pain parameters, QOL, psychological factors, and pain-related disability at base line, as well as their changer scores, predicted differential aspects of social, psychological, and physical QOL, respectively, over time. Aspects of social support were central for the social dimension of QOL and to a lower degree for the psychological dimension. Change scores of burnout and distress were related to all dimensions of QOL.

QOL seems to be a rather stable characteristic influenced not only by pain but also related to psychosocial factors over time. Addressing such factors seems central in treatment interventions aiming at improving QOL among individuals with pain.