This study was conducted using a descriptive correlational survey design to identify how the patients with chronic low-back pain perceived depression and to examine the relationship between optimism and depression.
The participants of the study were 116 patients with chronic low-back pain patient who were having follow-up treatment in a local pain clinic, located in Daegu. A structured questionnaire was filled out participants themselves and the structured interview was given during January and February, 2000.
The data collection instrument were Scheier & Carver's Life Orientation Test(1985) and Beck's Depression Inventory(1983).
The data collected were analysed using mean, S.D., t-test, F-test, Duncan test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Multiple regression, aided with SAS.
The results were as follows;
1. For the depression regarding demographic characteristics, there were significant differences in age, sex, marriage status, educational level, spouse and extended family, job, and care money giver.
2. For the depression regarding pain characteristics, there were significant differences in additional pain with low-back pain, pain degree, and daily activity impediment.
3. Mean of respondents' perceived optimism marks was 26.12±4.56.
4. Mean of respondents' perceived depression marks was 17.53±8.76.
5. There was significant negative correlation between optimism and depression(r=-0.6082, p=.0001).
6. Optimism was the highest factor predicting depression of the patients with chronic low-back pain(R2 =0.3699).
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