88 Validity and reliability of the European Portuguese version of the PainDETECT Questionnaire in patients with musculoskeletal pain

Abstract EP3.4, e-Poster Terminal 3, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 13:00 Aim Musculoskeletal pain (MSK) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Its nociceptive (NOC), mixed, and neuropathic (NEP) components present significant challenges for clinical diagnosis and management. In Portugal, the lack of validated tools for identifying pain mechanisms hinders accurate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the European Portuguese version of the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PDQ-PT) regarding its structural validity, reliability, and construct validity in patients with MSK pain. Methods This cross-sectional methodological study involved 242 patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. Participants completed the PDQ-PT and five additional questionnaires. Structural validity was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability was evaluated by measuring internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was examined by correlating the results with the European Portuguese DN4 questionnaire and comparing pain and musculoskeletal health between the NOC and NEP groups. Results The PDQ-PT exhibited a single-factor structure with significant factor loadings and satisfactory model fit indices. Internal consistency was robust (Cronbach’s α = 0.775), and test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.95). Construct validity revealed strong correlations with the DN4-PT (r = 0.709, p < 0.001). Significant differences in pain intensity and musculoskeletal health were identified between the NOC and NEP groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion The findings affirm the PDQ-PT as a reliable and valid tool for differentiating between nociceptive and neuropathic pain in Portuguese MSK patients. Adopting it in clinical practice can enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate mechanism-specific treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in Portugal.