PubMed2004
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the quality criteria of a screening procedure used to identify fear-avoidance beliefs. METHODS: The translated version of the original FABQ was submitted to 302 patients with chronic back pain. Additionally, self-assessment protocols were used to document information on disease history, pain-specific parameters, extent of subjectively experienced impairment, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Correlation statistical analysis confirmed the relevance of fear-avoidance beliefs for the impairment as experienced by the patients with back pain. The FABQ proved to be a better predictor of subjectively experienced impairment than pain intensity or affective/emotional orientation. CONCLUSIONS: Fear-avoidance beliefs represent significant cognitive factors for chronification of back pain. The results demonstrated the practicability, reliability, and validity of the questionnaire to assess fear-avoidance beliefs.