Chronic pain and depression as predictors of quality of life in individuals with arthritis

Chronic pain is a significant problem for many and has an impact on many aspects of quality of life. Osteoarthritis is one of the chronic diseases occurring late in life in the United States and the major cause of disability. Chronic pain has been associated with arthritis, and depression may result. Depression may impact quality of life. This study will examine the predictive relationship between chronic pain, depression and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with arthritis. The Gate Control Theory provides the framework for this study. Fifty individuals age 60 to 70 will be selected from two outpatient pain clinics in Indiana. All participants will receive a cover letter explaining the study. The study will be voluntary and care will not be affected if the individual chooses not to participate. All data will be anonymous. Three questionnaires will be used in the studies. The McGill pain questionnaire will measure pain, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Scale (CES-D) will measure depression, and the Quality of Life Survey (QOLS) will measure quality of life. The design is corelational and predictive and results will then be analyzed using multiple regression analysis. This study is significant because fmdings will provide information that may help decrease depression and increase the quality of life in individuals with arthritis.