Correlation between Body Mass Index and Post-Mastectomy Chronic Pain

Post-mastectomy chronic pain (PMCP) refers to any pain that lasts longer than six months. Many risk factors contribute to chronic pain, and it seems that body mass index (BMI) is one of them, but more research is required to confirm it. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BMI and PMCP. This correlational study was conducted during 2018-2020 on 340 patients who had undergone mastectomy. They were selected using convenience sampling of patients visiting hospitals affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The risk of chronic pain was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS), and its correlation with BMI was determined using descriptive and inferential statistics. High BMI can be a risk factor exacerbating PMCP (P 0.001). In this study, the negative impact of high BMI on exacerbation of PNCP was investigated. The results may prepare the ground for developing preventive interventions for chronic pain.