A survey on the current situation and influencing factors of catastrophic pain in patients with multiple fractures

Objective To explore the pain catastrophizing (PC) level of pain in patients with multiple fractures and its influencing factors.

Methods A convenience sampling method was used to investigate 156 patients with multiple fractures in the orthopedic trauma department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The questionnaire included a general information survey, a Digital Pain Rating Scale, PC scale, Positive and Negative Emotion Scale, and Social Rating Scale.

Results The average PC score of patients with multiple fractures was (23.22±12.05), with 27 patients (17.20%) reaching the PC level. The average score of the Digital Pain Rating Scale was (6.30±1.49), the score of the Positive Emotion Scale was (27.92±6.06), the score of the Negative Emotion Scale was (23.18±7.00), and the total score of the Social Rating Scale was (27.90±4.61). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that pain score, negative emotion level, and social support level had predictive effects in PC among patients with multiple fractures.

Conclusion The incidence of PC among patients with multiple fractures is at a moderate to high level. Patients with high pain scores, high negative emotion scores, and low social support are more likely to develop PC.