Prevalence Of Pain Research Articles

Chronic pain among primary fentanyl users: The concept of self-medication.

Chronic pain is among the leading causes of disability worldwide, of which only a small percentage of patients receive adequate treatment for. Non-prescribed opioid analgesics are commonly sought out in effort to alleviate unrelieved pain. This study assesses the prevalence and correlates of chronic pain among primary fentanyl users. A cross-sectional and structured survey was conducted with 200 adults who reported fentanyl as their drug of choice from a Vancouver acute care hospital. Presence and levels of chronic pain were determined through self-report. The majority of participants (n = 130, 72.6%) reported having chronic pain in the past 6 months, with the mean level of pain on a typical day to be 7.6 out of a scale of 10 (SD = 1.9). Majority (n = 85, 65.4%) reported using street opioids to self-medicate, while only 9 (6.9%) reported that their chronic pain was unrelated. Regression analysis indicated that increasing age and co-use of cannabis and opioids were independent associated factors of chronic pain. Higher levels of reported pain on a typical day were further associated with age and self-medication. The findings of this study demonstrate a significant association between self-medication and chronic pain among primary fentanyl users in British Columbia. For these individuals, inadequate pain relief may drive continued opioid use, which in turn may increase risks of treatment discontinuation and overdose. Appropriate pain management strategies are crucial to avoid opioid misuse and decrease the large societal burden caused by chronic pain. Our work points to the high prevalence of self-reported chronic pain among individuals who primarily use fentanyl. Among those with self-reported fentanyl use and chronic pain, self-medication with street opioids was found to be common and associated with higher reported pain levels on a typical day. This highlights the need for pain management strategies to be integrated into opioid dependence treatment and more research in the overlap of pain and fentanyl use.

Pain and depressive symptoms among adolescents: prevalence and associations with achievement pressure and coping in the Norwegian Ungdata study.

This study investigated the prevalence of pain, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence in Norwegian adolescents. Additionally, we investigated if perceived achievement pressure and coping with pressure were associated with pain, depressive symptoms and co-occurrent pain and depressive symptoms. Cross-sectional data from the Norwegian Ungdata Survey (2017-2019) were analysed. Adolescents from across Norway completed an electronic questionnaire including questions on perceived achievement pressure, coping with pressure, pain, and depressive symptoms. Descriptive statistics presented prevalence rates, and multinominal regression reported in relative risk ratios (RR) was employed to estimate associations, adjusted for gender (boys/girls), school level, and socioeconomic status. The analyses included 209,826 adolescents. The prevalence of pain was 33%, 3% for depressive symptoms, and 14% reported co-occurring pain and depressive symptoms. The prevalence of co-occurring symptoms was higher in girls (22%) than boys (6%). Significant associations were found between perceived achievement pressure and pain (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.10-1.11), depressive symptoms (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.27-1.28), and co-occurring symptoms (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.33-1.34). Struggling to cope with pressure was associated with pain (RR 2.67 95% CI 2.53-2.81), depressive symptoms (RR 16.68, 95% CI 15.60-17.83), and co-occurring symptoms (RR 27.95, 95% CI 26.64-29.33). The prevalence of co-occurring pain and depressive symptoms is high among Norwegian adolescents. Perceived achievement pressure and struggling to cope with pressure were associated with isolated and, more strongly, co-occurring pain and depressive symptoms. Enhancing adolescents' ability to cope with pressure could be a crucial target in treating pain and depressive symptoms.

Lower back pain amongst medical trainees in clinical rotations: implications for choosing future career regarding medical practice

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is an increasing concern amongst medical students. There is a dearth of publications regarding how the occurrence of LBP impact medical trainees’ career decisions.ObjectiveTo determine: (i) the point and annual prevalence of LBP amongst Ugandan medical students, (ii) its associated factors, and (iii) whether the experience of LBP during clinical rotations influence medical students’ career choices regarding medical practice.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study of 387 randomly selected clinical-phase students was conducted in three Ugandan medical schools, during 17th January to 10th March 2023. Proportions of participants with current and 12-months history of LBP were computed as well as odds for career prospects. We performed binary logistic regression models to determine factors associated with LBP at 95% confidence interval regarding p < 0.05 as statistically significant.ResultsThe response rate was 100%. Participants’ mean age was 24.7 ± 3.2 years of which 66.2% (256/387) were males. The point and annual prevalence of LBP was 52.5% (203/387) and 66.1% (256/387) respectively. Age [OR 1.23, 95% CI (1.03–1.47), p = 0.02], time spent sitting per day [OR 1.08, 95% CI (1.06–1.3), p < 0.01], perceived influence of LBP on future medical career [OR 4.75, 95% CI (1.87–12.06), p < 0.01] were the significant predictors of LBP. LBP interrupted the students’ learning for at least 6.8 ± 12.8 h in 42.4% of participants. Nearly half of participants affirmed that their LBP experience would influence their career prospects. Based on their LBP experiences, trainees ruled out surgery 51.5% (172/334), obstetrics/gynecology 29.6% (99/334), paediatrics 18.3% (61/334), and internal medicine 17.7% (59/334) as their future career specialties. The proportion of trainees that would not consider surgical as opposed to medical disciplines were 81.1% vs. 36.0%, respectively, (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe high prevalence of low back pain among medical students impacts their choices of future medical career with an aversion towards specialization in surgical disciplines. This has far-reaching implications on the disparities in specialist physician health workforce in Low-middle-income countries.

Maternal Parity Effect on Spine Posture Changes and Back Pain During Pregnancy

Background: Pregnancy can significantly alter posture and stability, thereby affecting spine curvatures. A positive relationship between the number of full-term pregnancies and the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) has been reported previously. This study aimed to analyze the impact of pregnancy on spine posture and LBP. Methods: Thirty pregnant females who were nulliparous (Group 1, n = 15) or had one or two pregnancies (Group 2, n = 15) were examined using the photogrammetric method in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Further, a correlation analysis was conducted among the body mass index (BMI), pain intensity (VAS scale), and spine posture parameters. Results: The parous groups did not differ significantly in the parameters of the spinal posture. The thoracic angle decreased in trimester II compared to trimester I (157.77° vs. 160.55°, p = 0.004), which, according to the measurement methodology used, means that the thoracic kyphosis curvature increased. BMI was associated with the angle of trunk inclination in trimester I in Group 1 (r = 0.54, p = 0.04), as well as with the thoracic angle in trimesters II and III in Group 2 (r = 0.54–0.62, p < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation between pain intensity and spine posture parameters was more frequently observed in Group 2. Conclusions: Parity does not affect spine posture during pregnancy or pain intensity. The intensity of LBP was associated with spine posture changes during pregnancy, but the character of association differs between groups of parity. Alterations in spine posture should be monitored during pregnancy to prevent back pain.

Long COVID and recovery from Long COVID: quality of life impairments and subjective cognitive decline at a median of 2 years after initial infection

BackgroundRecovery from SARS CoV-2 infection is expected within 3 months. Long COVID occurs after SARS-CoV-2 when symptoms are present for more than 3 months that are continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive. Better understanding of Long COVID illness trajectories could strengthen patient care and support.MethodsWe characterized functional impairments, quality of life (QoL), and cognition among patients who recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection within 3 months (without Long COVID), after 3 months (Recovered Long COVID), or remained symptomatic (Long COVID). Among 7305 patients identified with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 and December 2021, confirmed in the medical record with laboratory test or physician diagnosis, 435 (6%) completed a single self-administered survey between March 2022 and September 2022. Multi-domain QoL and cognitive concerns were evaluated using PROMIS-29 and the Cognitive Change Index-12.ResultsNearly half the participants (47.7%) were surveyed more than 2 years from initial infection (median = 23.3 months; IQR = 18.6, 26.7) and 86.7% were surveyed more than 1 year from infection. A significantly greater proportion of the Long COVID (n = 215) group, (Current and Recovered combined), had moderate-to-severe impairment in all health domains assessed compared to those Without Long COVID (n = 220; all p < 0.05). The Recovered Long COVID group (n = 34) had significantly lower prevalence of fatigue, pain, depression, and physical and social function impairment compared to those with Current Long COVID (n = 181; all p < 0.05). However, compared to patients Without Long COVID, the Recovered Long COVID group had greater prevalences of fatigue, pain (p ≤ 0.06) and subjective cognitive decline (61.8% vs 29.1%; p < 0.01). Multivariate relative risk (RR) regression indicated Long COVID risk was greater for older age groups (RR range 1.46–1.52; all p ≤ 0.05), those without a bachelor’s degree (RR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.03–1.71; p = 0.03), and those with 3 or more comorbidities prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.11–1.90; p < 0.01).ConclusionsLong COVID is associated with long-term subjective cognitive decline and diminished quality of life. Clinically significant cognitive complaints, fatigue, and pain were present even in those who reported they had recovered from Long COVID. These findings have implications for the sustainability of participation in work, education, and social activities.

Reduction of neck pain severity in patients with medication-overuse headache

BackgroundNeck pain and primary headache disorders are highly prevalent in populations and clinical cohorts. Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a treatable secondary headache, mainly developing in migraine sufferers, that accounts for the majority of patients presenting to headache clinics. Nevertheless, the association between neck pain and MOH has not been reported. This study evaluated the prevalence and clinical course of neck pain in patients with MOH before and after MOH treatment.MethodsWe analyzed 635 MOH patients enrolled in a nationwide, prospective, multicenter MOH registry. Demographics and clinical data were collected at baseline and 3 months to evaluate changes in the status and severity of neck pain and headache. Severity of neck pain was graded into 4 groups, and severe neck pain was defined as grade 3 or 4.ResultsAmong 635 patients with MOH, 366 (57.6%) reported neck pain at baseline. MOH patients with neck pain had an earlier onset of their primary headache disorder (23.4 ± 12.7 vs. 26.2 ± 13.3 years, p = 0.007). Although monthly headache days were comparable between the patients with neck pain and those without neck pain, the neck pain group had higher levels of anxiety (7.4 ± 5.8 vs. 6.4 ± 5.4, p = 0.017), more severe cutaneous allodynia (2.4 ± 3.3 vs. 1.8 ± 3.0, p = 0.038), and poorer quality of life (171.7 ± 70.4 vs. 184.0 ± 68.9, p = 0.029). At 3 months, 456 (71.8%) were followed-up, and 257 (56.4%) were recovered from MOH. Compared to the baseline, the proportion of severe neck pain (40.4% vs. 19.4%, p < 0.001) was decreased. The proportion of severe neck pain was much lower in patients with recovery from MOH compared to those without (4.7% vs. 15.1%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsNeck pain in MOH patients was associated with earlier onset of headache, higher levels of anxiety and allodynia, and poorer quality of life. Improvement in neck pain improvement was linked to recovery from MOH. These findings suggest the potential importance of integrating and management of neck pain into clinical practice for MOH.

The Increase in Early Menarche is Associated with the Increase of Chronic Back Pain in Female Adolescents: The HBSC Study 2002-2014.

Research has shown that there has been an increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain in adolescents, especially in female adolescents. The purpose of the current study was to test the hypothesis that the observed increase in the prevalence of early menarche in female adolescents is contributing to the increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain over time in this population. Cross-sectional data from 251,390 female adolescents from 27 countries/regions were drawn from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children questionnaire-based surveys conducted in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. The Karlson-Holm-Breen method was used to examine the explanatory role of the increase in the prevalence of early menarche on the increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain whilst controlling for socioeconomic status, physical activity, body mass index, and psychological symptoms. The increase in the prevalence of early menarche between 2002 and 2014 was associated with the increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain (P<0.001). The percent of chronic back pain prevalence increase accounted for by the increase in early menarche was 2.2%. The increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain in female adolescents observed over the last decade may be explained, in part, by the decrease in the age of menarche. This finding, coupled with research showing a decline in early menarche worldwide, highlights the need to delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms of the association between early menarche and pain ‒ particularly chronic back pain ‒ in female adolescents.

Determinants of Between-Person Variation in Shoulder Pain in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate determinants of between-person variation in shoulder pain ("yes"/"no") in individuals with spinal cord injury living in Switzerland. This longitudinal study used data from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort community surveys 2012, 2017, and 2022. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify determinants of between-person variability in shoulder pain while controlling for within-person variability. The prevalence of shoulder pain was 34.4% (95% CI = 33.0-35.9) when studying 4393 completed questionnaires. Significant determinants for between-subject variability revealed higher likelihoods for shoulder pain in females as compared with males (odds ratio: 1.57; 95% CI = 1.21-2.05), and when spasticity (1.49; 1.14-1.95), contractures (2.77; 2.21-3.48), and depression (1.39; 1.02-3.48) were present. In addition, shoulder pain presented highest likelihoods in individuals with incomplete tetraplegia (1.81; 1.32-2.48) versus incomplete paraplegia, in individuals over 26 yrs since injury (1.65; 1.15-2.37) versus up to 5 yrs since injury, and in individuals using a manual (2.17; 1.53-3.08) or electrical (2.16; 1.41-3.31) wheelchair versus no aids. There were significant interaction effects for gender with time since injury, contractures, and depression. Determinants of between-subject variability in shoulder pain were female gender, lesion severity, time since injury, specific health conditions, and wheelchair use.

Pain in palliative cancer patients – Analysis of the German National Palliative Care Registry

Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life in patients with progressive diseases such as cancer. Effective cancer pain management is a major challenge of palliative treatment. Empirical data on the prevalence of cancer pain, the efficiency of pain treatment and influencing factors are scarce. Here, we investigated pain in cancer patients treated on inpatient palliative care wards in Germany. N = 4779 data sets provided by the German Palliative Care Registry from yearly evaluation periods between 2015 and 2020 were included. Pain ratings were assessed by professionals through a checklist of symptoms and problems (HOPE-SP-CL). More than half of the included patients suffered from moderate/severe pain at the beginning of inpatient palliative care and in 71% of these patients, pain relief was achieved at the end of inpatient treatment. Pain intensity, depression and ECOG performance status at admission were weak predictors of later pain relief. The highest pain intensity at the beginning and least pain relief were found in patients with bone and cartilage cancer. The highest percentage of adequate pain control (81%) was seen in 2020. Data from the German Palliative Care Registry confirmed that although increasingly better addressed over the years, insufficiently controlled cancer pain remains a challenge for palliative care units. Patient-specific (e.g. psychological comorbidity) and cancer-related (e.g. bone or cartilage cancer) risk factors for poor pain treatment underline the need for individualized multimodal pain management including psychological support.

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain is Associated With Depressive Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Independent of Physical Activity. Experimental Aging Research

ABSTRACT Background Prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain and depressive symptoms in adults is high; however, whether there is an association between these conditions in older adults is unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the association of depressive symptoms with chronic musculoskeletal pain, and specifically with chronic LBP and knee osteoarthritis (OA), in community-dwelling older adults. In addition, we explored whether physical activity can mitigate these associations. Methods A cross-sectional study design. A cross-sectional study design. Participants recruited were older adults (age ≥60 years) living in the community. Chronic musculoskeletal pain was assessed by specific questions regarding the presence of chronic LBP and knee OA. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Multivariable regression model adjusted for potential confounders (i.e., age, sex, economic status, body composition, and physical activity) was used to investigate the association between chronic musculoskeletal pain and depressive symptoms. Separate analyses were also conducted for older adults with LBP and with knee OA. Results A total of 509 (69% women) older adults were recruited. The regression analysis showed that musculoskeletal pain was associated with higher depressive symptoms ( β = 2.52, 95% CI: 0.50 to 4.54; p-value < .05) compared with older adults without chronic musculoskeletal pain. Similarly, in the fully adjusted model, which included physical activity, LBP was associated with higher depressive symptoms ( β = 2.80, 95% CI: 0.82 to 4.79; p-value < .01). The association between knee OA and depressive symptoms was not statistically significant after adjusting for physical activity ( β = 2.00, 95% CI: −0.13 to 4.13; p-value = .06). Conclusion Older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain have higher depressive symptoms scores, when compared to those without musculoskeletal pain. Physical activity does not seem to influence this association.

Adherence to Physical Activity Guidelines in Manual Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury and the Association With Shoulder Pain.

The aim of the study is to investigate the association between adherence to spinal cord injury-specific physical activity guidelines in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury and shoulder pain prevalence. This is a cross-sectional analysis of the SwiSCI Community Survey 2022 data, assessing aerobic activity and muscle strength training adherence in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury and shoulder pain prevalence. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between meeting the physical activity guidelines and shoulder pain. Low adherence to aerobic activity and strength training guidelines are observed, with 46% and 64% of the study sample not meeting the respective guidelines. The low adherence to physical activity guidelines contrasts with the general Swiss population from which around 75% is physically active for more than 2.5 hrs a week. Manual wheelchair users present a high prevalence of shoulder pain (40%) and nonadherence to aerobic guidelines in the study sample correlates with 1.55-1.97 higher odds of having shoulder pain. Aerobic activity adherence is associated with lower shoulder pain prevalence, emphasizing its potential for injury prevention. Overall, the presented findings necessitate further longitudinal studies and interventions for a comprehensive understanding and effective management of shoulder pain in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.

Prevalence of Acute Low Back Pain after Cesarean Delivery in Health Care Centers

Background: Low back pain is the common problem faced by mothers after cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Application of spinal anesthesia leads to severe acute and chronic low back pain post-delivery. Physiotherapy plays an important role during and after pregnancy as it helps in reducing the incidence of low back pain and others musculoskeletal pain post-delivery. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of acute low back pain after cesarean section and to assess the percentage of population aware about antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy and percentages had taken the treatment in Heath care centers. Materials and methods: Study population comprised of 162 caesarean delivery females out of which 104 were selected of age between 19 to 35 having acute low back pain in postnatal cesarean ward of Heath care centers. Population was chosen through convenient sampling. Data collection tools were modified questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed through SPSS software Version 29.0.2.0(20). Prevalence and awareness were measured through descriptive statistics. Result: 64.1% postpartum caesarean section females had low back pain under spinal anesthesia.18.2% had mild pain,34.6% had moderate pain,30.7% had severe pain and 16.4% had very severe pain. Only18.3% were aware of antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy out of which only 6.7% had taken treatment.81.7% were unaware and 93.3% had not taken physiotherapy treatment. Low back pain is dependent upon Occupation and daily activity of the patient, awareness about antenatal and postnatal treatment is dependent upon educational level and patient age is seen as an associative factor for the patient dependency. Conclusion: Majority of postpartum caesarean delivery females complained of acute low back pain and very less had taken physiotherapy treatment during and after delivery. The majority were unaware about the antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy as they were not recommended by the gynecologist doctors. KEYWORDS: Acute back pain, Caesarean delivery, Spinal anesthesia, Antenatal, Postnatal, Physiotherapy, Awareness.

Mifepristone-Misoprostol Regimen vs. Surgical Abortion: Evaluating Pregnancy Termination Options in Bangladesh

Background: Access to safe and effective abortion services plays a vital role in safeguarding women's reproductive health, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being. This is particularly relevant in Bangladesh, where the legality of abortion is contingent upon specific circumstances. Therefore, ensuring women have the autonomy to choose between safe and effective termination methods becomes crucial. Objective: The study aims to see explore the efficacy, safety, and accessibility of mifepristone-misoprostol regimen and surgical abortion methods within the context of Bangladesh. Methods: This investigation employed a cross-sectional observational design, conducted within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Dhaka National Medical College in Bangladesh. The study spanned one year, commencing in March 2023 and concluding in February 2024. To ensure a representative sample of the patient population seeking abortion services, consecutive sampling was utilized. This approach involved recruiting all patients admitted during the designated timeframe who fulfilled the pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ultimately, the study enrolled 104 participants, a sample size determined by the number of admissions fitting the criteria within the one year. Results: The study found no significant difference in age distribution between women choosing medical or surgical abortion, with both groups mainly consisting of women aged 18-25. Overall complication rates were similar, but medical abortion had a higher need for additional procedures and longer stays, while surgical abortion required more bleeding observation. Pain experiences differed significantly, with no women in the medical group reporting no pain and a higher prevalence of moderate pain compared to surgical abortion. Women undergoing medical abortion were slightly more likely to experience complications overall, and primigravid women (first pregnancy) were significantly more likely to experience complications than multigravid women. Conclusion: Our findings suggest comparable safety profiles for both surgical and medical abortion procedures within the studied population. This indicates that surgical abortion can be a safe and effective option alongside medical abortion, potentially expanding the range of choices offered to women.

Influence of self-reported physical exercise on musculoskeletal pain among Chinese medical students.

From January to April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affected eastern China, leading medical students to adopt home protection measures that significantly altered their physical activity and lifestyle habits. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among medical students during home protection and to analyze the influence of demographic factors, physical exercise habits during normal school life, home protection data on MSP. This research provides a foundation for developing interventions to reduce MSP among medical students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Nanjing Medical University in Jiangsu Province from January to April 2020, utilizing the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to measure MSP. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors influencing MSP. A total of 859 students participated, with a 40.2% prevalence of MSP during home protection. Multivariate analysis showed that female sex (OR: 1.648; 95% CI: 1.157-2.347), irregular physical exercise during school (OR: 1.648; 95% CI: 1.157-2.347), and less than or equal to six hours of sleep per day during home protection (OR: 1.474; 95% CI: 1.020-2.131) were significant risk factors. The high prevalence of MSP underscores the need for interventions that focus on gender-specific risks, promote regular physical exercise, and ensure adequate sleep.

Prevalence of Non-specific Low Back Pain Among Chinese Healthcare Workers (Surgeons and Surgical Nurses): A Multi-Center Survey Study

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is one of the most common diseases affecting many persons including Healthcare Professionals (HCPs). LBP affects the quality of work and daily activities in HCPs. However, many factors contribute to LBP including age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and working experience. Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of LBP and examine the potential risk factors associated with LBP in Chinese HCPs (surgeons and surgical nurses). Method: A cross-sectional survey performed from October 2023 to January 2024. Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) was used to assess the rating of LBP impairment. As well as Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) is used to assess the working postures of HCPs. In addition to five more questions with yes/no answers. Results: A total of 250 surgeons and surgical nurses were collected from six hospitals with a mean age of 45.8 ± 11.0 years old, 47 females and 203 males. The BMI was 25.07 ± 1.49 kg, and working experience was 20.30 ± 10.0 years. Working hours in a week range from &lt; 50 to &gt; 55 hours. However, the OWAS action category was 1 in 109, 2 in 107, 3 in 30, and 4 in 4 participants. The majority of participants with mild LBP (90.4%), half of them had neck pain, and 26% with knee pain. The QBPDS scores of HCPs with LBP were 10.88 ± 4.78. Moreover, the risk factors associated with LBP include long working hours and incorrect postures of the trunk and lower extremities. As well as notice the orthopedic surgeon was the highest risk among HCPs (p = 0.046, 0.005). Conclusion: LBP is a common disorder in surgeons and surgical nurses and is associated with different factors including age, work experience, BMI, and abnormal working posture.

Association Between Organizational Context and Resident Pain in Assisted Living: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study.

Resident pain has been a common quality challenge in congregate care for older adults, and organizational context may explain variations in resident pain beyond resident-level factors. Most studies have focused on nursing homes (NHs), largely neglecting assisted living (AL). AL residents are at similar risk for pain as NH resident, but with AL providing fewer services and staffing resources. Our objective was to examine whether organizational context in AL was associated with resident pain during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. This repeated cross-sectional study linked AL home surveys, collected in COVID-19 waves 1 (March-June 2020) and 2 (October 2020-February 2021) from a key contact, to administrative Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (RAI-HC) records in these homes. Surveys assessed preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks, availability of a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, direct care staff shortages, decreased staff morale, COVID-19 outbreaks, confinement of residents to their rooms, supporting video calls with physicians, facilitating caregiver involvement. The dependent variable (moderate daily pain or pain of a severe intensity) and resident covariates came from the RAI-HC. Using general estimating equations, adjusted for repeated resident assessments and covariates, we assessed whether AL organizational context was associated with resident pain during the pandemic. We included 985 residents in 41 facilities (wave 1), and 1134 residents in 42 facilities (wave 2). Pain prevalence [95% confidence interval] decreased non-significantly from 20.6% [18.6%-23.2%] (March-June 2019) to 19.1% [16.9%-21.6%] (October 2020-February 2021). Better preparedness (odds ratio=1.383 [1.025-1.866]), confinement of residents to their rooms (OR=1.616 [1.212-2.155]), availability of a nurse practitioner (OR=0.761 [0.591-0.981]), and staff shortages (OR=0.684 [0.527-0.888]) were associated with resident pain. AL organizational context factors were associated with resident pain. Policy and management interventions can and must address such factors, providing potentially powerful levers for improving AL resident quality of care.

Spinal pain prevalence and associated determinants: A population-based study using the National Survey for Wales.

Spinal pain (SP) remains the leading cause of disability worldwide. The present study aimed to establish a current prevalence of SP and associated determinants in Wales by retrospectively analyzing data from the National Survey for Wales Dataset (NSWD). The NSWD is a large-scale cross-sectional, representative sample of adults across Wales, UK. A univariable and multivariable regression analysis was carried out on self-reported answers to health and well-being questions contained within the NSWD (2016-2020) to determine the strength of association of various determinants and comorbidities related to spinal pain. A total population of 38,954 of adults were included in the analysis. The study population included interview responses of 21,735 females and 17,219 males. The prevalence of SP in Wales was 4.95% (95% CI: 4.74%-5.15%) with a total of 847 males (4.92%, CI: 4.60%-5.24%) and 1082 females (4.98%, CI: 4.69%-5.27%) reporting spinal pain. The age group with the highest prevalence of SP was in the 70+ years age group for both males (5.44%, CI: 4.82%-6.07%) and females (5.95%, CI: 5.37%-6.54%). The strength of association between age and SP reaches its peak at 50-59 years with an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of 3.74 (p = <0.001), that decreases slightly at 60-69 years and 70+ years. For various comorbidities included in the NSWD, significant associations with SP were confirmed for: mental illness (aOR = 1.42, p = <0.001), migraine (aOR = 2.73, p = <0.001), nervous system issues (aOR = 1.61, p = <0.001), arthritis (aOR = 1.30, p = <0.001) and issues with bones/joints/muscles (aOR = 1.93, p = <0.001). For lifestyle factors, associations were confirmed for current smokers (aOR = 1.41, p = <0.001) and ex-smokers (aOR = 1.23, p = 0.003). This study demonstrates a low prevalence of SP in Wales when compared to global estimates and strong associations to a variety of determinants. This still represents a significant societal burden and these findings may help inform public health initiatives to encourage prevention and evidence-based interventional strategies and ultimately, improve the quality of life for those suffering with SP in Wales.

Prevalence and treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain focused on service gaps: a comparative analysis by age group and body part.

Occupational health, grounded in occupational medicine, aims to enhance the well-being and labor productivity of the working population. Within this realm, there has been growing concern over the increasing instances of labor loss due to diminished physical capacity and the rise in musculoskeletal disorders. Chronic pain is also associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Another pressing issue related to chronic musculoskeletal pain was needed assistance services are underutilized, is referred to as a "service gap". Understanding trends based on age and affected regions of the body is indispensable for developing strategies to address chronic musculoskeletal pain in workers. This study aimed to elucidate age-specific trends in the prevalence and number of pain sites in chronic musculoskeletal pain as well as the patterns of treatment during chronic musculoskeletal pain, categorized by age and affected site. This study was conducted in December 2022 in contract to Cross Marketing Inc. The survey began on December 12, 2022 and ended on December 15, 2022. An online survey was administered to 1,946 participants (973 women and 973 men), and responses were collected, ensuring a roughly equal distribution of samples among men and women across six age groups ranging from their 20 to 70 s. The survey inquired about the presence of chronic pain in each of the eight body parts and the adoption of five different treatments when experiencing pain. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, with the measurement data categorized by age group and body part. The results indicated a significantly higher prevalence of chronic pain at three or more sites among individuals in their 30 s: the prevalence of pain at each of the eight body sites varied with age. Approximately half of the participants did not engage in specific treatments during episodes of chronic pain. The presence or absence of treatment showed no significant differences according to affected site or age group. This study revealed age- and body part-related relationships with chronic musculoskeletal pain in middle-aged patients and highlighted healthcare service gaps in its management in Japan.

Chronic pain over time among Syrian refugees resettled in Norway

Abstract Background Chronic pain disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups such as migrants and refugees. This study investigates the long-term changes in chronic pain experienced by Syrian refugees in Norway and explores the factors influencing these changes. Methods This prospective cohort study used data from the CHART and Integration for Health studies, with data collection at three points: in Lebanon (Wave-1), one year (Wave-2), and four years post-arrival in Norway (Wave-3). All participants who completed surveys at these timepoints were included (n = 132). Chronic pain was measured by asking about pain lasting at least six months. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to examine changes in prevalence and assess how age, gender, educational level (categorized as low, ≤9 years, and high, &amp;gt;9 years), and mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders) affect these changes. Results Between Wave-1 and Wave-3, the proportion of participants reporting chronic pain increased from 31% to 53%, with an odds ratio of 3.6 (95% CI 2.2 - 5.8). There was an interaction between changes in chronic pain over time and participants’ educational level, where the increase in pain prevalence over time was more pronounced among participants with lower educational levels than higher levels. No modification with the other factors were detected. Conclusions The study observed an increase in the number of participants reporting chronic pain over time. Low educational level at baseline emerged as a useful indicator for identifying those at higher risk of chronic pain. Understanding this correlation can be crucial for guiding preventive strategies and optimizing resource allocation to assist those most vulnerable. Key messages • Chronic pain disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups such as refugees. • Refugees with lower education levels at baseline were more likely to experience chronic pain over time.

PREVALÊNCIA E FATORES DE RISCO DA LOMBALGIA EM OPERADORES DE CALL CENTER

This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among call center operators through an integrative literature review. The central problem is the identification of the main factors that contribute to the development of low back pain in this professional group and the impact of these factors on workers’ health. The objectives are to understand the relationship between working conditions and the incidence of low back pain, analyzing the risk factors and their consequences on the quality of life of call center operators. To achieve these objectives, an integrative review of the scientific literature was carried out. Data collection in the integrative review included searches in the Lilacs, Scielo, Pubmed, Medline and Pedro databases, considering studies published in the last 4 years, both in Portuguese and English. The results reveal a series of risk factors associated with low back pain, such as inadequate postures, long periods of sitting and lack of regular breaks, which significantly contribute to the high prevalence of this condition among call center operators. It is concluded that the adoption of ergonomic measures and preventive practices is crucial to reduce the incidence of low back pain and improve the quality of life of these workers.