The relationship of plasma β-endorphins and pain dimensions in primary liver cancer patients using the Chinese Cancer Pain Assessment Tool

Abstract

AbstractEvidence suggests a mind-body link in pain experience. Many studies have focused on the link between endorphins and pain intensity. However, there is a lack of research that examines the bio-psycho-socio-cultural link from a multidimensional perspective in cancer pain experience. Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study investigated the relationship between plasma β-endorphin level (objective variable) and the pain dimensions (subjective variables). Venous blood samples were taken from 76 Chinese primary liver cancer patients by convenience in a cancer centre and plasma β-endorphin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The Chinese Cancer Pain Assessment Tool (CCPAT) was employed to assess the pain dimensions which include: functional, psychosocial, pharmacological, emotional, pain beliefs and meanings, pain intensity. Results and Discussion: Sixty-eight men and eight women were recruited the mean age was 49.8 (±12.2) years. Thirty-two (42.1%) patients experienced varying degrees of pa...