Comorbidities That Cause Pain and the Contributors to Pain in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Objective: To determine comorbidities that cause pain and the potential contributors to pain in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design: Prospective cross-sectional survey study.

Setting: Pulmonary rehabilitation programs of 6 centers.

Participants: A convenience sample of individuals with COPD (N=137) who attended pulmonary rehabilitation programs. In total, 100 (73%) returned the survey packages. Of those responders, 96 participants (70%) were included in the analyses.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: Pain was measured using the Brief Pain Inventory. The questionnaire used to obtain information about health conditions that might contribute to pain and a medication record asked, in lay terms, about comorbidities that cause pain. The health conditions that cause pain were then validated by health professionals. Demographics, fatigue, dyspnea, quality of life, and self-efficacy were also measured using questionnaires.

Results: Pain was reported in 71% (68/96) of participants. Low back pain was the most common location (41%). Arthritis (75%), back problems (47%), and muscle cramps (46%) were the most common comorbidities that caused pain. Lower self-efficacy, and renting rather than home ownership increased the likelihood of pain (P<.05). Pain severity and Brief Fatigue Inventory scores contributed to pain interference scores (P<.05).

Conclusions: Pain was highly prevalent in pulmonary rehabilitation program participants with COPD. The most common causes of pain were musculoskeletal conditions. Pain severity and higher levels of fatigue contributed to how pain interfered with daily aspects of living. The assessment and management of pain need to be addressed within the overall care of individuals with COPD.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Comorbidity; Pain; Rehabilitation; Self efficacy.