[The relation between pain and pain beliefs and sociodemographic-economic characteristics in an adult population]

Agri. 2011 Apr;23(2):64-70.
[Article in Turkish]

Abstract

Objectives: In order to control pain, which is a prevalent problem, gathering knowledge regarding pain and pain beliefs is crucial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between pain and pain beliefs and the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of an adult population.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was completed with 131 individuals aged between 18-65 years. A questionnaire evaluating sociodemographic and economic status and pain characteristics and the Pain Beliefs Scale were used for data collection.

Results: 78.6% of the research group experienced pain within the last year; of them, 38.8% suffered from chronic pain. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the risk factors were determined as age between 30-65 years (odds ratio [OR]: 0.215; p=0.008) and graduation from elementary school and lower education level (OR=3.427; p=0.021) for experiencing lifelong frequent pain; being female (OR=3.003; p=0.016) and married (OR=4.550; p=0.005) for experiencing pain within the last year; and age between 30-65 years (OR=3.027; p=0.027) and lower income (OR=4.932; p=0.001) for chronic pain. The organic and psychological pain beliefs scores were similar. Sociodemographic and economic determinants were not significant for the organic subscale (p>0.05), but lower income determined 11% of the psychological subscale (R2=0.115; p<0.05).

Conclusion: Sociodemographic and economic status were determined to be risk factors for experiencing pain, and cultural factors related to pain beliefs warrant investigation.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / epidemiology*
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Pain / psychology
  • Pain Measurement
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Turkey / epidemiology
  • Young Adult