Craniofacial pain is among the most prevalent in the world. Due to multiple etiologies and factors, such as temporomandibular disorders, toothaches, and headaches. Craniofacial pain can negatively impact body functions and structures, resulting in activity limitations and participation restrictions. Young adult women are the most affected and, many times, their social participation, such as study or work, can be limited by this painful condition.

To determine the main factors that influence the intensity and duration of pain in people who have had craniofacial pain in the last 24 hours.

This is a cross-sectional study that followed the STROBE recommendations. The research was disseminated through advertisements on social networks. A convenience sample was obtained, including volunteers aged between 18 and 40 years, university students of both sexes, with self-reported complaints of pain in the craniofacial region. A questionnaire prepared by the research team was applied, in addition to seven objective questions from the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ). A two-step analysis was performed to determine the factors that significantly influenced pain intensity and duration: in the first, a simple linear regression, and ihe second, a multiple regression model based on the R2 value.

Eighty-seven volunteers, whose average age was 23 years, were included in the study. Among those included, 72 (82.75%) were women. In the present study, it was observed that the intensity and duration of pain felt in the last 24 hours are influenced by concern about the disease and thoughts related to the treatment of the disease, showing the influence of psychosocial aspects on pain perception. Pain intensity was associated with the importance the patient gives to the treatment and the patient's concern about their pain (p<0.05). The duration of pain was associated with the individual's concern about their disease (p<0.05).

According to data found in this study, thoughts related to treatment and concern about the disease reported by patients may be predictive factors for pain intensity and duration.

According to data found in this study, thoughts related to treatment and concern about the disease reported by patients may be predictive factors for pain intensity and duration.