Impaired health-related quality of life, psychological distress, and productivity loss in younger people with persistent shoulder pain: a cross-sectional analysis

Purpose To investigate wellbeing and work impacts in younger people with persistent shoulder pain. Materials and methods People aged 20-55 years with shoulder pain of >6 weeks' duration (excluding those with recent fracture or dislocation) were recruited from orthopaedic clinics at three major public hospitals. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological distress were evaluated using the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) and K10 instruments and compared to population norms. Shoulder-related absenteeism and presenteeism were quantified using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) Questionnaire. Results Of the 81 participants (54% male), 69% had shoulder pain for over 12 months. Substantial HRQoL impairment was evident (mean reduction from population norms 0.33 AQoL units, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.27; minimal important difference 0.06 AQoL units). High or very high psychological distress was three times more prevalent among participants than the general population (relative risk 3.67, 95% CI 2.94 to 4.59). One-quarter of participants had ceased paid employment due to shoulder pain and 77% reported shoulder-related impairment at work. Conclusions The broader impacts of painful shoulder conditions on younger people extend well beyond pain and upper limb functional limitations. In particular, the work-related impacts should form a routine part of patient assessment and rehabilitation.

Automated summary

The study found that persistent shoulder pain has significant impacts on both wellbeing and work productivity in younger individuals, with a majority experiencing pain for over a year and high levels of psychological distress. Work-related impairment and absenteeism were common among participants.