DESCRIPTIVE CORRELATIONAL STUDY BETWEEN COPING AND SELF-MANAGEMENT SKILLS, AND BIOLOGICAL FACTORS IN FILIPINO CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS

The management of chronic pain patients is intellectually and emotionally challenging, as the problems encountered by patients are often difficult or impossible to diagnose with certainty. Traditional medical approach of seeking an unclear organic pathology is usually unhelpful. It has been found that psychological evaluation and behaviorally based treatment are frequently helpful, particularly in the setting of a multidisciplinary pain-management center. This approach is believed to be effective, but remains largely underused in the current medical practice. Coping and self-management strategies come in different forms and can influence the perception and response to pain experiences. The significance of the study in determining the relationship between the variables was to incorporate the Filipino coping and self-management skills in the pain management program being developed. It would also support the possible strengthening of coping and self-management skills of patients as part of pain management. The study utilized a descriptive correlational research design that was administered to 129 Filipino participants with chronic pain. The outcome measures utilized the CPAQ, PSMSC, PSEQ, MPI, RMDQ, and EuroQOL. Data were analyzed using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. There was strong indirect correlation between biological factors and coping and self-management skills. Although it is not so important to take into account the unique way the Filipinos are coping and managing their pain, the pain management program must still be implemented considering the cultural factors that could affect how they perceive and give meaning to the pain they are experiencing.