Determinants of severity of pain in non-cardiac chest pain patients: A cross sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the psychosocial factors related to the severity of pain in patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP), providing insights to support more comprehensive and targeted management strategies. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two university-affiliated hospitals. Patients diagnosed with NCCP, based on physical examination and angiographic findings, completed questionnaires assessing type D personality, cardiac anxiety, fear of bodily sensations, somatization, depression, and pain severity. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing pain severity levels. RESULTS: A total of 156 males and 204 females, with a mean age of 55.76 +/- 12.83 years, were divided into low-pain (N = 182) and high-pain (N = 178) groups. Higher education and being female were significantly associated with greater pain severity. Depression, type D personality, somatization, and cardiac anxiety were significantly correlated with pain severity. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that self-rated health (OR,: 2.14; 95 CI. :1.18-3.90), depression (OR-11.15; 95 CI-:1.09-1.22), type D personality (OR-: 1.90; 95 CI-: 1.06-3.41), somatization (OR-: 1.03; 95 CI-: 1.01-1.06), and fear of bodily sensation (OR-: 1.90; 95 CI-: 1.06-3.41), were all associated with pain severity. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that type D personality, fear of bodily sensations, depression, somatization, cardiac anxiety, and poor self-rated health were associated with increased NCCP severity. By controlling the disease and managing related pain earlier, more coherent treatment strategies can be implemented, ultimately improving patients' quality of life.