Polish Adaptation of the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale 20: Psychometric Properties in Individuals with

Background & Aims

The study assessed the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale 20 (PASS-20) in a sample of individuals suffering from chronic pain. We examined construct and criteria validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the scale.

Methods

Translation was prepared following ISPOR’s Translation and Cultural Adaptation Principles. The Polish PASS-20 was administered online via Nationwide Poland’s Research Panel. Eligibility criteria included age >18, Polish language fluency, and a physician-diagnosed chronic pain condition. Of the 2569 screened individuals, 2151 were excluded due to not meeting at least one of the study inclusion criteria or low quality of provided data (e.g. incorrect answers to the validation questions), yielding a final sample of 418 participants (40% men, 60% women, aged 19–86, Mean: 49.37), with 80% participating in a second measurement 30 days later. Confirmatory factor analysis with robust weighted least squares estimator was used to determine the fit of the Polish PASS-20 factor structure. Additionally, Cronbach’s Alpha, item-total correlations, interclass correlation and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated. Independent t-tests were carried out to explore differences between groups.

Results

The scale exhibited hierarchical structure, with four first order factors (avoidance, fearful thinking, cognitive anxiety, physiological responses) and one second order factor (general pain anxiety). Fit indices indicated excellent fit of this model: ?2/df = 1.24, NFI = 0.99, CFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.02, 90%CI [0.01, 0.03]. Significant correlations were found with pain catastrophizing, depression, state and trait anxiety, and pain intensity. Internal consistency for total score was excellent (? = 0.96), with subscales demonstrating good-to-excellent reliability. Test-retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.79). Women, as well as individuals on pain relief medication, on sick leave, and with activity limitations scored higher on PASS-20.

Conclusions

The Polish version of PASS-20 demonstrates robust psychometric properties, making it a valid and reliable tool for assessing pain anxiety in Polish populations with chronic pain.

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