Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Psychoemotional Factors and HRQoL
Overview
This study evaluates sex-stratified associations between psychoemotional factors and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Findings indicate that psychoemotional factors are associated with HRQoL.
Background
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant public health issue, affecting a substantial portion of the population and leading to considerable psychosocial burden and economic costs. This study aims to clarify how psychoemotional factors relate to HRQoL across genders.
Data Highlights
Factor
Women
Men
Clinically Significant Anxiety
No significant difference
No significant difference
Clinically Significant Depression
No significant difference
No significant difference
High Perceived Stress
No significant difference
No significant difference
Kinesiophobia
Associated with severe pain (OR 9.00, 95% CI 2.01–40.32)
No significant association after correction
Key Findings
Psychoemotional factors are associated with HRQoL in adults with CLBP.
Women showed lower HRQoL scores in vitality, mental health, social functioning, and general health due to elevated psychoemotional burden.
Men's associations included a broader range of HRQoL domains, such as physical functioning and role limitations.
No significant psychoemotional indicators were associated with severe pain in men after correction for multiple testing.
Exploratory analyses did not demonstrate robust interaction effects by sex.
Clinical Implications
The findings highlight the importance of considering psychoemotional factors during the assessment and rehabilitation of patients with CLBP.
Conclusion
This study reveals distinct patterns between genders in the relationship between psychoemotional factors and HRQoL in CLBP.
