Factors that influence the quality of life in neuropathic, musculoskeletal, and oncological pain

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The clinical practice of analgesia in chronic pain is often deficient or ineffective, either due to the subjectivity or presence of potentiating factors. The most common chronic pains are musculoskeletal, neuropathic, and oncological. This research aimed at understanding the aspects that intersperse the process of pain and how they interfere in quality of life. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional, exploratory study with a sample of 44 patients,15 with musculoskeletal pain, 15 with oncological pain and 14 with neuropathic pain, belonging to the Base Hospital Pain Clinic in São José do Rio Preto/SP. Data were collected through specific semi-structured interviews, self-assessment and application of instruments: Visual Analog Scale, Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, Morisky and Green Drug Treatment Adherence Test, Questionnaire for Diagnosis of Neuropathic Pain, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: The data analysis revealed poor quality of life in 61.36% of the patients, and this situation was even more serious for patients with neuropathic pain. The association between quality of life and the analyzed factors was statistically significant in terms of adherence to treatment, pain levels, sleepiness, anxiety and depression. Individuals with neuropathic pain were more affected, except for kinesiophobia, which had more incidence in individuals with musculoskeletal pain. CONCLUSION: Data revealed that all types of pain considerably decrease quality of life, and it’s more evident in individuals with neuropathic pain.