Differences between chronic low back pain patients in Germany and Thailand in terms of nature of disease and socioeconomic and psychological factors.

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common causes of physical and psychological disabilities. The factors that affect low back pain (LBP) between Western and Eastern countries are different.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the factors associated with LBP and their impact in German and Thai CLBP participants.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 100 Thai and 100 German CLBP participants. Data were collected before the participants received treatment in the outpatient rehabilitation clinic. We used standardized questionnaires to assess the demographic and socioeconomic data, clinical features of the pain, the impact of pain during daily activities, and psychological consequences.

RESULTS

We found a statistically significant difference between the two groups for minimal pain intensity (NRS German = 3.01, Thai = 1.83), and the participants' acceptable pain intensity (NRS German = 1.97, Thai = 3.88). The German participants had a higher negative impact score in their daily living compared to the Thai participants (German = 23.5, Thai = 10). Also, the German participants suffered more often from depression (CES-D score; German = 17, Thai = 4). However, the average back pain intensity was the same for both groups.

CONCLUSION

German CLBP participants had significantly more depressive symptoms and pain-related impairments compared to the Thai participants. On the other hand, there were no differences in maximum and average pain severities.