Comparison of perception and beliefs about pain in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of young age and is mostly diagnosed between 20 to 40 years old. The aim of this study was to compare the perceptions and beliefs about pain in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls. This analytical study was conducted in Tabriz University, 2014. Thirty patients with multiple sclerosis and 30 healthy controls that were selected by convenience sampling method completed the pain beliefs and perception inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Patients with multiple sclerosis had higher scores in pain as mystery, self –blame, pain as constant, and pain as permanent scales compared to the controls. With regards to the results, it is suggested to consider the pain beliefs and perception scales in medical centers and multiple sclerosis associations.