Pain catastrophizing and its associated factors in parents of children after polydactyly or syndactyly surgery: a cross-sectional survey - Report - MDSpire

Pain catastrophizing and its associated factors in parents of children after polydactyly or syndactyly surgery: a cross-sectional survey

  • By

  • Weiyun Jiang

  • Yuehe Liu

  • Yue Chen

  • Ying Yang

  • Yiming Liu

  • May 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Exploring Pain Catastrophizing in Parents of Children Post-Surgery

Overview

This study evaluates pain catastrophizing levels in parents of children undergoing surgery for polydactyly or syndactyly. Key factors influencing these levels include child's age, number of surgeries, and parental sociodemographic characteristics.

Background

Polydactyly and syndactyly are prevalent congenital hand malformations requiring surgical intervention, which can lead to significant postoperative pain. Understanding pain catastrophizing in parents is crucial, as it can affect their caregiving and the child's recovery. Identifying associated factors can help develop targeted support strategies for families.

Data Highlights

MeasureScore (Mean ± SD)
Total Pain Catastrophizing Score41.86 ± 5.19
Helplessness Subscale18.74 ± 2.83
Rumination Subscale13.25 ± 2.18
Magnification Subscale9.87 ± 1.65

Key Findings

  • 206 parents participated in the study.
  • Total parental pain catastrophizing score was 41.86 ± 5.19.
  • Child's age was negatively associated with pain catastrophizing (β = –0.953).
  • Marital status showed the strongest association with pain catastrophizing (β = 3.896).
  • 42.3% of the variance in pain catastrophizing was explained by identified factors.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider the identified factors influencing parental pain catastrophizing when developing postoperative care plans. Providing pain knowledge training and support tailored to parental sociodemographic characteristics may enhance family care and improve children's rehabilitation outcomes.

Conclusion

The study highlights the significant levels of pain catastrophizing in parents following their children's surgery for polydactyly or syndactyly. Addressing the identified factors can inform better support strategies for families during the recovery process.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Pain Research, 2026 -- Resting-state cortical activity, biomarkers and functional performance identify distinct biopsychosocial phenotypes in young adults with chronic postsurgical pain
  2. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 2021 -- The Role of Pain Catastrophizing and Central Sensitization in Postoperative Pain Assessment Following Hip Arthroscopy
  3. Hernia, 2024 -- Postoperative Chronic Inguinal Pain in Children Following Hernia Repair: A Retrospective Study
  4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2025 -- Psychological Challenges Linked to Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Resulting from 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
  5. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2025 -- A better surgical option when separating fingers fused by soft tissue
  6. AAFP, 2025 -- Safe and Effective Pain Management in Children: A New AAP Guideline
  7. ScienceDirect, 2025 -- Effect of parental anxiety and catastrophizing on post-tonsillectomy opioid consumption in children
  8. A better surgical option when separating fingers fused by soft tissue | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  9. Safe and Effective Pain Management in Children: A New AAP Guideline | AAFP
  10. Effect of parental anxiety and catastrophizing on post-tonsillectomy opioid consumption in children - ScienceDirect

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