Self-efficacy and fear of pain to movement in chronic low back pain: an intervention developed by nurses

Abstract

Objective: To test the effect of interventions to chronic low back pain developed by nurses in the Program to Increase Self-efficacy and Reduce the Fear of Pain and Avoidance of Movement. Method: Clinical trial, with 81 patients, carried out in 2016, at the Pain Outpatient Clinic in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. The groups received: A (education and exposure), B (education) and C (control). Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact, ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests were performed. Results: Patients in groups A and B improved self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, and disability, compared to group C. The reduction in fear of pain and avoidance of movement was greater in Group A, which also showed a decrease in current pain and overall scores compared to Group B and C. Conclusion: Education was effective in increasing the Self-Efficacy Belief. For the Belief of Fear of Pain and Avoidance of Movement and pain intensity, the association with exposure showed better results.