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. 2017:2017:4643830.
doi: 10.1155/2017/4643830. Epub 2017 Sep 26.

Prevalence of Chronic Pain, Treatments, Perception, and Interference on Life Activities: Brazilian Population-Based Survey

Juliana Barcellos de Souza  1   2 , Eduardo Grossmann  2   3 , Dirce Maria Navas Perissinotti  2   4 , Jose Oswaldo de Oliveira Junior  2   5 , Paulo Renato Barreiros da Fonseca  2   6 , Irimar de Paula Posso  2   7
Affiliations

Prevalence of Chronic Pain, Treatments, Perception, and Interference on Life Activities: Brazilian Population-Based Survey

Juliana Barcellos de Souza et al. Pain Res Manag. 2017.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Chronic pain affects between 30% and 50% of the world population. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of chronic pain in Brazil, describe and compare differences between pain types and characteristics, and identify the types of therapies adopted and the impact of pain on daily life.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of a population-based survey with randomized sample from a private database. The interviews were conducted by phone. 78% of the respondents aged 18 years or more agreed to be interviewed, for a total of 723 respondents distributed throughout the country. Independent variables were demographic data, pain and treatment characteristics, and impact of pain on daily life. Comparative and associative statistical analyses were conducted to select variables for nonhierarchical logistic regression.

Results: Chronic pain prevalence was 39% and mean age was 41 years with predominance of females (56%). We found higher prevalence of chronic pain in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Pain treatment was not specific to gender. Dissatisfaction with chronic pain management was reported by 49% of participants.

Conclusion: 39% of interviewed participants reported chronic pain, with prevalence of females. Gender-associated differences were found in intensity perception and interference of pain on daily life activities.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study design flowchart.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage of cause and diagnosis associated with chronic pain with regard to gender. In Brazil in 2015-2016. LBP: low back pain, RA OA: rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, FM: fibromyalgia, and PO pain: postoperative pain.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Location of pain reported by female and male participants. In Brazil in 2015-2016. UULL: upper limbs and IILL: lower limbs.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Medical specialties chosen as first option of Brazilians with chronic pain as a function of gender 2015-2016.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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