Quality of Life in Croatian War Veterans with PTSD and Chronic Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Braš Marijana, Milunović Vibor, Boban Maja, Brajković Lovorka, Benković Vanesa, Đorđević Veljko, Polašek Ozren
Primary Institution: Centre for Palliative Medicine, Medical Ethics and Communication Skills, Medical School, University of Zagreb
Hypothesis
The study aims to investigate the quality of life in Croatian homeland war veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic low back pain.
Conclusion
The study found that PTSD significantly impacts quality of life, which is further reduced when combined with chronic low back pain.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants with both PTSD and chronic pain reported the lowest quality of life scores.
- Quality of life was significantly lower in veterans with PTSD compared to controls.
- The study identified a strong synergistic effect of PTSD and chronic pain on quality of life.
Takeaway
Veterans with PTSD and back pain have a much harder time feeling good about their lives than those with just PTSD or just back pain.
Methodology
Participants were classified into four groups based on their PTSD and chronic pain status, and their quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF survey.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in participant selection as only those with severe PTSD may have been included.
Limitations
The study may overestimate the impact of PTSD due to the chronic nature of the included cases and the small sample size.
Participant Demographics
Participants were Croatian Homeland war veterans aged 35-54, with a mix of PTSD, chronic pain, and healthy controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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