Distribution of pain parameters for chronic pain patients in comparison to the g

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Schmerz. 2005 Jul 5

Distribution of pain parameters for chronic pain patients in

comparison to the general population.

Komarahadi FL, Baumeister H, Maurischat C, Harter M.

Sektion Klinische Epidemiologie und Versorgungsforschung, Abteilung

fur Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie des Universitatsklinikums Freiburg.

OBJECTIVE: The study analyzes pain complaints of chronic pain

patients in comparison to representative data from the general

population.

METHODS: In a cross-sectional study 493 patients from different

health care settings were interviewed about their pain during the

previous 12-month and the currently strongest pain. Locations,

frequency, intensity and duration of pain, restrictions in daily

activities and utilization of therapies were assessed. For comparison

data from the German federal health survey 1998 (n=6702) was used.

RESULTS: The patients experienced pain more frequently and more

severely than the general population. The largest difference was

found in limitations of daily activities. Several qualitative

similarities were observed, e.g. for the relative frequency of pain

locations. Most patients reported multiple pain locations. The number

of reported pain locations increased with intensity and duration of

pain. Women reported more frequent and stronger pain than men,

utilized more therapies and underwent more often alternative

treatments.

CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of pain complaints in both samples

indicates the importance of early pain prevention, adequate diagnosis

and treatment in order to obviate the development and chronification

of pain.