The Functional Barometer — An analysis of a self-assessment questionnaire with ICF-coding regarding functional/activity limitations and quality of life due to pain — Differences in age gender and origin of pain

Abstract

Abstract Long standing non-malignant pain leads to a variety of limitations which can be assessed by means of the self-assessment questionnaire Functional Barometer. It is designed to assess the extent and limitations in function, activity and decreased quality-of-life and is adapted to the International Classification of Functioning and Health. Aim To investigate the outcome and differences in age, gender and origin of pain in patients with longstanding non-malignant pain regarding the subjective experience of functional-, activity- and quality-of-life limitations. Method 300 patients with a median duration of pain of 49 months referred to a Pain Management Centre filled out the Functional Barometer questionnaire, adapted to the International Classification of Functioning and Health. Results 66% patients were women and 34% were men. Seventy-five percent were in working age, 18-64 years. The duration before being referred to a pain specialist was over 4 years and 65% reported pain from more than three origins. Significant differences in functioning, activity and quality-of-life were found in comparing gender, age and origin of pain. Men more often reported physiological limitations while women more often reported psychological limitations of functioning, activity and quality-of-life. The most important were that men more often had difficulties in walking and climbing stairs, while women reported problems with concentration, stress and psychological demands, family relations and contact with friends. Conclusion The significant differences regarding functioning, activity and quality-of-life between women and men as age and origin of pain must be taken into account when tailoring individual treatment and rehabilitation programmes.