Fatigue in primary care: Longitudinal associations with pain

摘要: So far, most studies on the association between pain and fatigue have used cross-sectional data. We analysed possibilities for a temporal relationship in cohort study of patients presenting with primary care. Of 856 recruited patients, 642 (75%) completed postal questionnaires after consultation, at one, four, eight 12 months follow-up, completion rates ranging from 82% to 88%. Pain was measured using Short-Form health survey (SF-36) severity scale Checklist Individual Strength (CIS). Longitudinal associations were generalised estimated equations (GEE). three different models assessing possible relationships symptoms time, either same intervals or time-lag, suggesting synchronous association. The regression coefficients strongest model change, indicating that one-point improvement associated 0.25 time interval (adjusted potential confounding). Baseline duration expectations its future course significantly modified this model, stronger changes found shorter more positive expectations. lag showed significant but inverse subsequent fatigue. results indicate are directly related rather than showing associations.