Individual and Additive Effects of Mothers' and Fathers' Chronic Pain on Health Outcomes in Young Adults With a Childhood History of Functional Abdominal Pain

Objective To evaluate effects of mothers’ and fathers’ chronic pain on health outcomes in adult sons and daughters with a childhood history of functional abdominal pain (FAP). Method Adults (n = 319; Mean age = 22.09 years) with a childhood history of FAP reported parental history of chronic pain and their own current health (chronic pain, somatic symptoms, disability, use of medication and health care, illness-related job loss). Results Positive histories of maternal and paternal chronic pain were each associated with poorer health in sons and daughters, regardless of child or parent gender. Having 2 parents with chronic pain was associated with significantly poorer health than having 1 or neither parent with chronic pain. Conclusions Chronic pain in both mothers and fathers is associated with poor health and elevated health service use in young adults with a childhood history of FAP. Having both parents with chronic pain increases risk for adverse outcomes.