Interpreting the high prevalence of pediatric chronic pain revealed in community surveys

Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge about Pediatric Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review

Pediatric chronic pain is a common public health problem with a high prevalence among children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to review the current knowledge of health professionals on pediatric chronic pain between 15–30% among children and adolescents. However, since this is an underdiagnosed condition, it is inadequately treated by health professionals. To this aim, a systematic review was carried out based on a search of the electronic literature databases (PubMed and Web of Science), resulting in 14 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of these articles seems to show a certain degree of heterogeneity in the surveyed professionals about the awareness of this concept, especially regarding its etiology, assessment, and management. In addition, the extent of knowledge of the health professionals seems to be insufficient regarding these aspects of pediatric chronic pain. Hence, the knowledge of the health professionals is unrelated to recent research that identifies central hyperexcitability as the primary factor affecting the onset, persistence, and management of pediatric chronic pain.

Identifying and Managing Suicidality in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Pain: Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies

Children and adolescents with chronic pain are at an increased risk of suicidality. This narrative review article aims to inform clinical practice in the assessment and management of suicidality in youth with chronic pain. The article begins with a survey of the background and prevalence of youth with chronic pain. A review of the current evidence behind the increased risk of suicidality in youth with chronic pain follows. Contextualization of this data with general tenets of child and adolescent suicide risk and risk assessment is provided. Suicidology theory including the interpersonal theory of suicide is overviewed to help clinicians to conceptualize the reviewed data. Guiding parameters for the suicide risk assessment and management planning is presented. Concluding recommendations are made to guide clinical practice in the assessment and management of suicidality in youth with chronic pain.

Pain Catastrophizing and Functional Disability in Youth with Chronic Pain: An Examination of Indirect Effects

Pediatric pain conditions are not uncommon and may lead to functional disability. The purpose of this study is to examine indirect effects of pain catastrophizing on functional disability through anxiety, depression, and pain in youth with chronic pain. Participants included 197 youth (144 females, Mage = 14.67 years) with chronic pain conditions. Youth completed self-report measures of pain catastrophizing, depression, anxiety, pain intensity, and functional disability. Caregivers also completed a measure of youth functional disability. Using a cross-sectional design, a multiple mediator model was estimated with pain catastrophizing as the predictor, functional disability as the outcome, and depression, anxiety, and pain intensity as mediators. Results supported a mediation model in which depression (B = 0.1145, SE = 0.0528, Z = 2.1686; B = 0.1512, SE = 0.0585, Z = 2.5846) and pain intensity (B = 0.1015, SE = 0.0422, Z = 2.4052; B = 0.0634, SE = 0.0343, Z = 1.8484) significantly mediated the effects of catastrophizing on child self-report and parent-report functional disability, respectively, while anxiety (B = - 0.0260, SE = 0.0439501, Z = - 0.5923; B = - 0.0637, SE = 0.0552, Z = - 1.1540) did not. Theoretical and clinical applications are discussed.

Validity and reliability of Spanish PROMIS pediatric pain interference short form

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to analyze psychometric properties of the Spanish PROMIS Pediatric Pain Interference short form (PROMIS-PPI) in a sample of Spanish children and adolescents.

METHODS

In a hospital pediatric sample it was studied the structure scale (exploratory and confirmatory analysis), construct validity, convergent validity, and reliability (internal consistency).

FINDINGS

163 children and adolescents (mean age 13.3 years; SD 2.01; 39.26% female) with and without chronic pain completed measures pertaining to their pain experience. Psychometric analysis showed the PROMIS-PPI Spanish version maintains the original one-factor model of the scale, excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient 0.90 (95% CI 0.88-0.92)), and convergent validity (showed a positive, significant, and moderate magnitude correlation [r from 0.330 to 0.604] with pediatric quality of life, child and parent pain intensity, and showed a low correlation with the number of medical consultations in the last year).

DISCUSSION

The Spanish PROMIS-PPI scale is a valid and reliable tool. It is recommended for research and clinical care in pediatric populations.

APPLICATION TO PRACTICE

The results provide evidence that the Spanish version of PROMIS-PPI is valid and reliable tool. Health professionals who work with children in risk to develop persistent pain, will have access to short tool with highest evidence, for assess pain interference.

Moving on: Transition experiences of young adults with chronic pain

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the transition experience of young adults with chronic pain in Canada from the pediatric health care setting to the adult health care setting.

Materials and Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach using semistructured interviews was used to capture the transition experiences of young people with chronic pain who have recently transferred from the pediatric setting to the adult health care setting. Participants were recruited from west, central, and the east coast of Canada to situate the findings within the context of Canada. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative inductive content analysis.

Results: Nine participants were interviewed, three from each part of Canada (west, central, and east). Five common categories were determined to describe the transition experience of young adults with chronic pain which include (1) independence (I can do it, maybe?), (2) pain trajectory (stress and pain along for the ride), (3) social support networks (need a shoulder to lean on), (4) parental support (obviously they are there), and (5) collaborative systems (the bridge).

Conclusion: Young people with chronic pain experience unique challenges when faced with transitioning to the adult health care setting. Supporting the young person and his or her family in preparation and readiness and collaboration between the pediatric and adult health care settings are essential to ensure a smooth transition and avoid negative transition outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the best ways to prepare young people for transition and the care activities required in both pediatric and adult health care settings to improve pain-related outcomes posttransition.

Moving on: A survey of Canadian nurses’ self-reported transition practices for young people with chronic pain

Background

Practices to support the transition of a young person from the pediatric to the adult health care setting have been examined for many chronic illness populations. However, specific transition practices to support young people with chronic pain have not been examined.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the current nursing practices used in the pediatric and the adult health care to support transition of young people with chronic pain in Canada.

Methods

An online survey of pediatric and adult chronic pain nurses’ self-reported transition practices was conducted.

Results

Twenty-two nurses completed the survey, 10 (45.5%) from the pediatric chronic pain setting and 12 (54.4%) from the adult chronic pain setting. Of the pediatric nurses surveyed none reported using a psychometrically valid tool to assess a young person’s readiness of general transition skills; however, one reported using a tool to assess understanding of chronic pain. Most health care facilities in which these pediatric nurses worked offered a general transition clinic, but only one of these facilities also had a chronic pain transition clinic. Nurses in both settings perceived that young people experience increased levels of distress during transition yet most did not report using formal transition practices in their care.

Conclusion

Nursing practices and clinic resources to support the transition of young people with chronic pain may not meet the needs of this population. Practices may benefit from the use of psychometrically validated tools to assess general transition preparedness. Research is needed to adapt tools and determine best transition practices for the chronic pain population.

Health Care Utilization and Costs Associated With Pediatric Chronic Pain

The population prevalence of pediatric chronic pain is not well characterized, in part because of a lack of nationally representative data. Previous research suggests that pediatric chronic pain prolongs inpatient stay and increases costs, but the population-level association between pediatric chronic pain and health care utilization is unclear. We use the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health to describe the prevalence of pediatric chronic pain, and compare health care utilization among children ages 0 to 17 years according to the presence of chronic pain. Using a sample of 43,712 children, we estimate the population prevalence of chronic pain to be 6%. In multivariable analysis, chronic pain was not associated with increased odds of primary care or mental health care use, but was associated with greater odds of using other specialty care (odds ratio [OR] = 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.62-2.47; P < .001), complementary and alternative medicine (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.79-3.03; P < .001), and emergency care (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.29-2.02; P < .001). In this population-based survey, children with chronic pain were more likely to use specialty care but not mental health care. The higher likelihood of emergency care use in this group raises the question of whether better management of pediatric chronic pain could reduce emergency department use.

PERSPECTIVE

Among children with chronic pain, we show high rates of use of emergency care but limited use of mental health care, which may suggest opportunities to increase multidisciplinary treatment of chronic pain.

Traditional and cyber-victimization among adolescents with and without chronic pain

OBJECTIVE

Prior research has revealed a link between peer victimization and somatic complaints in healthy youth; however, the peer victimization experiences of youth with clinically significant chronic pain have not been examined. This study aims to determine rates of peer victimization among youth seeking treatment for chronic pain and to compare these rates to a community control group. Relationships between peer victimization, depressive symptoms, and functional disability are also examined.

METHOD

One hundred forty-three adolescents (70 with chronic pain) completed measures assessing their experience of traditional (physical, relational, reputational) and cyber-based peer victimization, as well as measures assessing their depressive symptoms and pain-related functional disability.

RESULTS

Peer victimization experiences were common among youth with and without chronic pain. Within the chronic pain group, there were differences in rates of peer victimization as a function of the adolescent's school setting. Adolescents with chronic pain attending traditional schools reported more frequent peer victimization experiences than adolescents with pain not enrolled in school or attending online/home school. Within the chronic pain sample, peer victimization was moderately associated with depressive symptoms and functional disability. Tests of a simple mediation model revealed a significant indirect effect of peer victimization on functional disability, through depression.

CONCLUSIONS

These results are the first to systematically document the peer victimization experiences of adolescents with chronic pain. Peer victimization is commonly experienced, particularly for those enrolled in traditional school settings. Associations with depressive symptoms and functional disability suggest that peer victimization may be a useful target for intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record

Increased Substance Use and Poorer Mental Health in Adolescents With Problematic Musculoskeletal Pain

Study Design Cross-sectional study. Background Adolescents with musculoskeletal pain are thought to be at greater risk of modifiable health risk behaviors, but little is known about these behaviors in adolescents with problematic pain. Objective To describe the prevalence of substance use (tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and illicit drugs) and poor mental health in adolescents with problematic musculoskeletal pain, compared to those without such pain. Methods Data on self-reported pain, substance use, and poor mental health were collected from 1831 year 9 students (age range, 14-16 years). Participants were considered to have problematic pain if they reported experiencing pain at least monthly over a 6-month period that also required medication or impacted 1 or more of the following: school or work, daily activities, and leisure or sporting activities. Results Almost half (46%) of the participants experienced problematic pain. Adolescents with problematic pain, compared to those without pain, reported higher substance use and poorer mental health: tobacco smoking in the last 4 weeks, 12% versus 7% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25, 2.28); alcohol consumption in the last 4 weeks, 30% versus 20% (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.11); illicit drug use, 13% versus 6% (OR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.55, 3.07); lower Mental Health Inventory scores (β = -11.43; standard error [SE], 0.96; P<.05), indicating poorer mental health; and higher Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire total scores (β = 3.67; SE, 0.29; P<.05), indicating greater difficulties. Conclusion Adolescents with problematic pain report higher smoking, alcohol use, and use of illicit drugs and poorer mental health than adolescents without problematic pain. The experience of problematic pain could be an important consideration for substance use and chronic disease prevention. This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (reference number ACTRN12611000606987). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(10):705-711. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7441.

Supporting Teens with Chronic Pain to Obtain High School Credits: Chronic Pain 35 in Alberta

Chronic pain is a significant problem in children and teens, and adolescents with chronic pain often struggle to attend school on a regular basis. We present in this article a novel program we developed that integrates attendance at a group cognitive-behavioural chronic pain self-management program with earning high school credits. We collaborated with Alberta Education in the development of this course, Chronic Pain 35. Adolescents who choose to enroll are invited to demonstrate their scientific knowledge related to pain, understanding of and engagement with treatment homework, and demonstrate their creativity by completing a project, which demonstrates at least one concept. Integrating Chronic Pain 35 into an adolescent’s academic achievements is a creative strategy that facilitates the engagement of adolescents in learning and adopting pain coping techniques. It also helps teens to advocate for themselves in the school environment and improve their parents’ and teachers’ understanding of adolescent chronic pain. This is one of the first successful collaborations between a pediatric health program and provincial education leaders, aimed at integrating learning and obtaining school credit for learning about and engaging in health self-management for teens. The authors hope this paper serves as an effective reference model for any future collaborating programs aimed at supporting teens with chronic pain to obtain high school credits.

Occupational therapists' pain knowledge: a national survey

PURPOSE

This study surveyed Canadian occupational therapists to identify whether their pain knowledge is current or if the gaps identified in past studies have remained the same. The findings will provide information to guide the development of targeted pain knowledge translation strategies for occupational therapists.

METHOD

A self-report survey, including demographic questions and part of the City of Boston's Rehabilitation Professionals' Knowledge and Attitude Survey (COBS), was disseminated electronically to all members of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

RESULTS

A total of 354 therapists, most came from Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia and working in the community, acute care and private practice, participated. Over 50% had 10 years or less of experience. Deficit knowledge areas were identified in pediatric pain, chronic versus acute pain, pain assessment and medications. These findings are largely consistent with deficits identified in pre-2000 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain knowledge gaps persist among Canadian occupational therapists and this can, and should, be addressed within the occupational therapist (OT) curriculum and in professional development initiatives. It is concerning that this study identified similar knowledge gaps as those identified in previous studies of OT students and clinicians. Pain is a growing and complex issue with negative impact on occupational performance across the lifespan. Knowledge dissemination of occupational therapy pain assessment and management approaches should be a priority for the profession.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

Pain is a prevalent condition in all age groups of occupational therapists' clients. There appear to be gaps in occupational therapists' evidence-based knowledge of aspects of pain. Occupational therapy training programs and occupational therapy associations should provide education with a particular focus on identified pain knowledge gaps.

When helping hurts: miscarried helping in families of youth with chronic pain

OBJECTIVE

To examine "miscarried helping" as a maladaptive dyadic process in families of youth with chronic pain using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.

METHODS

210 adolescents with chronic pain (mean = 14.23 years; 73.9% female) and their parents participating in a multicenter study completed measures assessing pain characteristics, miscarried helping, family functioning, parental protectiveness, and child depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Multilevel modeling revealed significant actor effects of miscarried helping on family functioning for both parents and teens, but not partner effects. Individual-level factors, including child pain characteristics, depressive symptoms, and parental protectiveness, uniquely contributed to miscarried helping.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher perceptions of miscarried helping contribute to worse family functioning and may be a useful target for psychological intervention in parents of children with chronic pain. Parents who exhibit more protective responses to pain and youth with more depressive symptoms may be at increased risk for a miscarried helping process to develop.

Validation and clinical application of a biopsychosocial model of pain intensity and functional disability in patients with a pediatric chronic pain condition referred to a subspecialty clinic

Background. Pediatric chronic pain is considered to be a multidimensional construct that includes biological, psychological, and social components. Methods. The 99 enrolled study patients (mean age 13.2 years, 71% female, 81% Caucasian) and an accompanying parent completed a series of health-related questionnaires at the time of their initial appointment in a pediatric chronic pain medicine clinic. Results. Significant correlations (r ≥ 0.30, P < 0.05) were observed between pediatric chronic pain intensity and patient anxiety, patient depression, patient pain coping, parent chronic pain intensity, and parent functional disability. Pediatric chronic pain intensity was significantly associated with patient anxiety (P = 0.002). Significant correlations (r ≥ 0.30, P < 0.05) were observed between pediatric functional disability and patient chronic pain intensity, patient anxiety, patient depression, patient pain coping, parent chronic pain intensity, parent functional disability, parent anxiety, parent depression, and parent stress. Pediatric functional disability was significantly associated with patient chronic pain intensity (P = 0.025), patient anxiety (P = 0.021), patient pain coping (P = 0.009), and parent functional disability (P = 0.027). Conclusions. These findings provide empirical support of a multidimensional Biobehavioral Model of Pediatric Pain. However, the practical clinical application of the present findings and much of the similar previously published data may be tenuous.

Identification of pain-related psychological risk factors for the development and maintenance of pediatric chronic postsurgical pain

Background

The goals of this study were to examine the trajectory of pediatric chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) over the first year after surgery and to identify acute postsurgical predictors of CPSP.

Methods

Eighty-three children aged 8–18 years (mean 13.8, standard deviation 2.4) who underwent major orthopedic or general surgery completed pain and pain-related psychological measures at 48–72 hours, 2 weeks (pain anxiety and pain measures only), and 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

Results showed that 1 year after surgery, 22% of children developed moderate to severe CPSP with minimal functional disability. Children who reported a Numeric Rating Scale pain-intensity score ≥ 3 out of 10 two weeks after discharge were more than three times as likely to develop moderate/severe CPSP at 6 months and more than twice as likely to develop moderate/severe CPSP at 12 months than those who reported a Numeric Rating Scale pain score < 3 (6-month relative risk 3.3, 95% confidence interval 1.2–9.0 and 12-month relative risk 2.5, 95% confidence interval 0.9–7.5). Pain unpleasantness predicted the transition from acute to moderate/severe CPSP, whereas anxiety sensitivity predicted the maintenance of moderate/severe CPSP from 6 to 12 months after surgery.

Conclusions

This study highlights the prevalence of pediatric CPSP and the role played by psychological variables in its development/maintenance. Risk factors that are associated with the development of CPSP are different from those that maintain it.

Factors associated with adolescent chronic non-specific pain, chronic multisite pain, and chronic pain with high disability: the Young-HUNT Study 2008

The aim of this study was to assess the association of chronic pain with different lifestyle factors and psychological symptoms in a large, unselected adolescent population. Pain was evaluated as chronic non-specific pain, chronic multisite pain, and in additional analyses, chronic pain with high disability. The study was performed during 2006 to 2008 in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway. Adolescents aged 13 to 18 years were invited to participate. The response rate was 78%. The final study population consisted of 7,373. Sedentary behavior and pain were associated only in girls. In both sexes, overweight and obesity were associated with increased odds of pain. Whereas both smoking and alcohol intoxication showed strong associations with pain, the associations were attenuated after adjustments for psychosocial factors. Symptoms of anxiety and depression showed the strongest associations with pain (odds ratio 4.1 in girls and 3.7 in boys). The odds of pain increased gradually by number of unfavorable lifestyle factors reported. This study revealed consistent associations between lifestyle factors, anxiety and depression, and chronic pain, including multisite pain and pain with high disability. The consistency across the different pain categories suggests common underlying explanatory mechanisms, and despite the cross-sectional design, the study indicates several modifiable targets in the management of adolescent chronic pain.

PERSPECTIVE

This study showed a clear and consistent relation between different lifestyle factors, anxiety and depression, and the pain categories chronic non-specific pain, multisite pain, and also pain with high disability. Independent of causality, it underlines the importance of a broad perspective when studying, preventing, and treating chronic pain in adolescents.