Determination of Pain Severity and Affected Life Activities of Individuals with Chronic Pain during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Abstract

Background/Aims:: The pandemic period can have negative effects on chronic pain. It is possible that these effects may affect life activities together with pain. The study was conducted to determine the change in pain intensity of individuals with chronic pain during the COVID-19 pandemic and the affected activities of daily living. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 204 individuals with chronic pain. Data were collected with an Introductory Information Form, a questionnaire about life activities, and a Numerical Rating Scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson χ2 and Mann-Whitney-U test. Results: During the pandemic period, it was found that all patients with and without COVID-19 increased the severity of pain. Considering the change in life activities, patients who had COVID 19 during the pandemic period compared to those who did not; It was determined that they had problems in the parenting role, fulfilling their religious beliefs, gaining weight, hygiene activities, dressing-undressing, continuing to work and sexual desires/desires. It was determined that the pandemic period negatively affected the pain intensity of the patients. In addition, it was determined that having COVID 19 damaged many life activities of patients. Conclusions: Considering that the duration of the pandemic is three years, it is thought that this process and being COVID 19 may have long-term effects on the pain levels and life activities of the patients.