Comparison of pain perception among university students using musculoskeletal injury scenarios: a vignette study

Abstract

Objective: The intensity of pain experienced in sports or daily life injuries can be perceived differently in different social environments. The aim of this study is to compare the perceived intensity of pain in sports and daily life musculoskeletal injuries among university students with different social backgrounds. Methods: Pain beliefs of 521 university students (309 physical education and sport, 212 physical therapy and rehabilitation students) were evaluated using the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire. Pain fear was evaluated using the Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III Scale. Perceived pain intensity was measured using vignette scenarios of musculoskeletal injuries in sports and daily life. The students were grouped according to department, gender, and professional sports branch. Results: A significant difference was found in pain psychological beliefs between groups (p<0.01). Psychological pain beliefs of women were lower than men (p<0.01). Estimated pain intensity in vignettes containing sport injury scenarios was found to be higher in women than men (p=0.01). A strong positive correlation was found between fear of pain and pain intensity in both sport and daily life vignettes (p=0.001). Individuals who are professionally involved in sport activities reported higher pain intensity in daily life scenarios (p=0.01). Conclusion: The vignette method can be used to determine pain intensity in musculoskeletal injuries for different genders. Women are more sensitive in perceiving and determining pain intensity. Professional athletes did not yield high scores to sport vignettes, despite giving high scores to daily life vignettes. This may suggest that the sport social environment normalizes pain from sport injuries.