[The functional assessment of chronic pain patients activity of daily living and psychosocial disability].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of activity of daily living and psychosocial function in patients with chronic nonmalignant pain. From Jun. 1989 to Nov. 1989, one hundred and eleven cases were assessed by Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) and Taita Symptom Check List (TSCL) to evaluate the disabilities associated with chronic pain. Patients showed significant impairment in the functions of physical psychosocial work and recreational activities. It was also apparent that the psychosocial disabilities were more severe than physical disabilities. Specifically, they showed anxiety depression and significant somatization. Analysis by stepwise multiple regression indicates that sex age educational level employment status diagnosis and pain intensity were the significant influencing factors related to the disabilities of activity of daily living and psychosocial function. The results supported the validity of the SIP as a measurement of functional status with chronic pain patients. Specifically, the psychosocial dimension was significantly correlated with the psychological and psychosocial distress categories of the TSCL. Based upon its reliability validity breadth of assessment and ease of administration, the SIP appeared to be well suited for the assessment of patients with chronic pain and for evaluating the efficacy of multidisciplinary pain treatment.