The epidemiology of chronic pain in the community

Lancet. 1999 Oct 9;354(9186):1248-52. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(99)03057-3.

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is recognised as an important problem in the community but our understanding of the epidemiology of chronic pain remains limited. We undertook a study designed to quantify and describe the prevalence and distribution of chronic pain in the community.

Methods: A random sample of 5036 patients, aged 25 and over, was drawn from 29 general practices in the Grampian region of the UK and surveyed by a postal self-completion questionnaire. The questionnaire included case-screening questions, a question on the cause of the pain, the chronic pain grade questionnaire, the level of expressed needs questionnaire, and sociodemographic questions.

Findings: 3605 questionnaires were returned completed. 1817 (50.4%) of patients self reported chronic pain, equivalent to 46.5% of the general population. 576 reported back pain and 570 reported arthritis; these were the most common complaints and accounted for a third of all complaints. Backward stepwise logistic-regression modelling identified age, sex, housing tenure, and employment status as significant predictors of the presence of chronic pain in the community. 703 (48.7%) individuals with chronic pain had the least severe grade of pain, and 228 (15.8%) the most severe grade. Of those who reported chronic pain, 312 (17.2%) reported no expressed need, and 509 (28.0%) reported the highest expressed need.

Interpretation: Chronic pain is a major problem in the community and certain groups within the population are more likely to have chronic pain. A detailed understanding of the epidemiology of chronic pain is essential for efficient management of chronic pain in primary care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Arthritis / epidemiology
  • Back Pain / epidemiology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Employment
  • Female
  • Housing
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Marital Status
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / classification
  • Pain / epidemiology*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Distribution
  • Social Class
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology