scholarly journals The Prevalence of Chronic Pain in Canada

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 445-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Schopflocher ◽  
Paul Taenzer ◽  
Roman Jovey

Published population estimates of the prevalence of chronic pain have been highly variable due, in part, to differences in definitions and study methodologies. Designing health care delivery models that address chronic pain and reduce its impact, however, require accurate, up-to-date prevalence data. This article first reviews studies that examined the prevalence of chronic pain both internationally and in Canada. The ensuing sections describe a telephone-based survey of a well-defined population of adults using a detailed and sequential definition of chronic pain, and well-validated and reliable data collection tools for establishing the prevalence of chronic pain in Canada.BACKGROUND: While chronic pain appears to be relatively common, published population prevalence estimates have been highly variable, partly due to differences in the definition of chronic pain and in survey methodologies.OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of chronic pain in Canada using clear case definitions and a validated survey instrument.METHODS: A telephone survey was administered to a representative sample of adults from across Canada using the same screening questionnaire that had been used in a recent large, multicountry study conducted in Europe.RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic pain prevalence for adults older than 18 years of age was 18.9%. This was comparable with the overall mean reported using identical survey questions and criteria for chronic pain used in the European study. Chronic pain prevalence was greater in older adults, and females had a higher prevalence at older ages compared with males. Approximately one-half of those with chronic pain reported suffering for more than 10 years. Approximately one-third of those reporting chronic pain rated the intensity in the very severe range. The lower back was the most common site of chronic pain, and arthritis was the most frequently named cause.CONCLUSIONS: A consensus is developing that there is a high prevalence of chronic pain within adult populations living in industrialized nations. Recent studies have formulated survey questions carefully and have used large samples. Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of Canadian adults continue to live with chronic pain that is longstanding and severe.

2020 ◽  
Vol 5;23 (9;5) ◽  
pp. E429-E439
Author(s):  
Hunter Jackson Smith

Background: Chronic pain is a growing problem in the military, and the methods by which we have to perform epidemiologic surveillance are insufficient. It represents both a public health and military readiness concern, as those who suffer from it experience adverse impacts on work productivity, physiological health, and quality of life. Objectives: This study was designed to assess the prevalence of chronic pain among active component military service members utilizing 2 distinct, published case definitions. It sought to describe the demographics and military characteristics of those receiving chronic pain diagnoses. The study also aimed to provide improved granularity regarding military chronic pain patients’ pain severity and its impacts on their job performance. Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis for 2018. Setting: This analysis utilized data available from the Defense Medical Surveillance System, a database containing longitudinal data on service members. Methods: Patients: The surveillance population consisted of all active component service members from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines of all grades serving at any point during the surveillance period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Measurement: Diagnoses were ascertained from the administrative records of all medical encounters of individuals who received care through the Military Health System or civilian referrals. Data from patients’ Periodic Health Assessment (PHA) encounters were also utilized to derive more granular data regarding their experiences of pain. Results: Case Definition 1, more specific for identifying chronic pain, identified a more severe subset of chronic pain patients when compared against Case Definition 2, a more comprehensive method for identifying potential chronic pain patients. Case Definition 1 found a higher prevalence of impactful pain (CD1: 36.7% vs. CD2: 23.5%), and Case Definition 1 patients are more likely to be on limited duty and require treatment related to their pain. Several demographic groups were also found to be at increased risk of chronic pain diagnosis, including women, black non-Hispanic, Army, older age, and enlisted. Limitations: First, in utilizing administrative data, this allows for the possibility of misclassification bias. Second, some deployment data still used ICD-9 coding even in 2018, resulting in a minor underestimation by approximately 30 patients and approximately 60 encounters. Third, the prevalence estimates for the demographics were not adjusted for potential confounders. Conclusions: Chronic pain has been difficult to define via administrative and screening data, and as such its burden and prevalence estimates can vary considerably depending on which case definition is used. This is of particular importance in the U.S. military, as these estimates can significantly impact our calculations for force readiness and the protection of our national security. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to examine chronic pain across the entirety of the U.S. armed forces and to utilize granular, annually collected PHA data in this way. The results of this exploratory analysis could be used as a template to better characterize the burden of chronic pain from a populationbased perspective and monitor the effectiveness of pain management strategies. Key words: Chronic pain, military, case definition, surveillance, epidemiology


physioscience ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Steiner ◽  
Luis Möckel

Abstract Background Healthcare professionals of different occupations report pain, in particular back pain. It is known that the handling of patients and standing for long periods of time – like physiotherapists do, as well as working in bent posture – are causes of back pain. A high prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in German physiotherapists is to be expected. Objective To determine pain point prevalence, severity of pain, type of pain (acute, chronic, recurrent), most affected body locations and extent of analgesics intake in German physiotherapists. Method This was a nationwide online survey with German physiotherapists. Univariable and multivariable methods were applied to identify associations between sociodemographic variables and pain, type of pain and pain location as well as analgesic intake by type of pain. In addition, severity of pain by type was examined using the Kruska-Wallis Test. Results A total of 550 physiotherapists were included in the analysis. Prevalence of pain was 63.09 % (acute: 4.18 %, chronic: 15.27 %, recurrent: 43.64 %). Most frequently mentioned pain locations were lumbar spine (49.27 %), cervical spine (48.39 %) and head (40.47 %). Participants with chronic pain reported a higher pain severity than physiotherapists with recurrent pain. Analgesics were used by 35.29 % of study participants with pain. Participants with chronic pain indicated a significantly higher probability of using analgesics compared to physiotherapists with recurrent pain. Conclusion This study indicates a high prevalence of pain and analgesics intake in participating physiotherapists. Therefore, measures are needed to reduce pain in German physiotherapists.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1215
Author(s):  
Aparna Gopalakrishnan ◽  
Jameel Rizwana Hussaindeen ◽  
Viswanathan Sivaraman ◽  
Meenakshi Swaminathan ◽  
Yee Ling Wong ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic autorefraction with an open-field auto refractor in a school vision screening set up, and to define a threshold for myopia that agrees with the standard cycloplegic refraction threshold. The study was conducted as part of the Sankara Nethralaya Tamil Nadu Essilor Myopia (STEM) study, which investigated the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for myopia among children in South India. Children from two schools aged 5 to 15 years, with no ocular abnormalities and whose parents gave informed consent for cycloplegic refraction were included in the study. All the children underwent visual acuity assessment (Pocket Vision Screener, Elite school of Optometry, India), followed by non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic (1% tropicamide) open-field autorefraction (Grand Seiko, WAM-5500). A total of 387 children were included in the study, of whom 201 were boys. The mean (SD) age of the children was 12.2 (±2.1) years. Overall, the mean difference between cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) open-field autorefraction measures was 0.34 D (limits of agreement (LOA), 1.06 D to −0.38 D). For myopes, the mean difference between cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic SE was 0.13 D (LOA, 0.63D to −0.36D). The prevalence of myopia was 12% (95% CI, 8% to 15%) using the threshold of cycloplegic SE ≤ −0.50 D, and was 14% (95% CI, 11% to 17%) with SE ≤ −0.50 D using non-cycloplegic refraction. When myopia was defined as SE of ≤−0.75 D under non-cycloplegic conditions, there was no difference between cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic open-field autorefraction prevalence estimates (12%; 95% CI, 8% to 15%; p = 1.00). Overall, non-cycloplegic refraction underestimates hyperopia and overestimates myopia; but for subjects with myopia, this difference is minimal and not clinically significant. A threshold of SE ≤ −0.75 D agrees well for the estimation of myopia prevalence among children when using non-cycloplegic refraction and is comparable with the standard definition of cycloplegic myopic refraction of SE ≤ −0.50 D.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Toby M. Maher ◽  
Elisabeth Bendstrup ◽  
Louis Dron ◽  
Jonathan Langley ◽  
Gerald Smith ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive debilitating lung disease with considerable morbidity. Heterogeneity in epidemiologic studies means the full impact of the disease is unclear. Methods A targeted literature search for population-based, observational studies reporting incidence and/or prevalence of IPF from January 2009 to April 2020 was conducted. Identified studies were aggregated by country. For countries with multiple publications, a weighted average was determined. Incidence and prevalence data were adjusted for between-study differences where possible. The final model included adjusted estimates of incidence and prevalence per 10,000 of the population with 95% confidence intervals. As prevalence estimates vary depending on the definitions used, estimates were based on a specific case definition of IPF. Results Overall, 22 studies covering 12 countries met the inclusion criteria, with 15 reporting incidence and 18 reporting prevalence estimates. The adjusted incidence estimates (per 10,000 of the population) ranged from 0.35 to 1.30 in Asia–Pacific countries, 0.09 to 0.49 in Europe, and 0.75 to 0.93 in North America. Unadjusted and adjusted incidence estimates were consistent. The adjusted prevalence estimates ranged from 0.57 to 4.51 in Asia–Pacific countries, 0.33 to 2.51 in Europe, and 2.40 to 2.98 in North America. South Korea had the highest incidence and prevalence estimates. When prevalence estimates were compared to country-specific rare disease thresholds, IPF met the definition of a rare disease in all countries except South Korea. There were notable geographic gaps for IPF epidemiologic data. Conclusions Due to differences in study methodologies, there is worldwide variability in the reported incidence and prevalence of IPF. Based on the countries included in our analysis, we estimated the adjusted incidence and prevalence of IPF to be in the range of 0.09–1.30 and 0.33–4.51 per 10,000 persons, respectively. According to these prevalence estimates, IPF remains a rare disease. For consistency, future epidemiologic studies of IPF should take age, sex, smoking status, and the specificity of case definitions into consideration.


2009 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha M.C. Castro ◽  
Carla Daltro

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances and symptoms of anxiety and depression have been shown to be involved in the genesis and perpetuation of chronic pain. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sleep patterns and the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain. METHOD: Four hundred consecutive patients referred to a chronic pain outpatient clinic were investigated using patient charts, the numerical Visual Analogue Scale for the evaluation of pain, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and the Mini-Sleep Questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 45.6±11.4 years. The most frequent medical diagnosis was myofascial pain followed by neuropathic pain. The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety was 72.8%, depression 93% and altered sleep patterns 93%. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety and alterations in sleep patterns in patients with chronic pain, justifying investigation into these disturbances in this group of patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 557-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew S. Shupler ◽  
John K. Kramer ◽  
Jacquelyn J. Cragg ◽  
Catherine R. Jutzeler ◽  
David G.T. Whitehurst

Author(s):  
Anzelika Smagina ◽  
◽  
Iveta Ludviga ◽  

Defining craft entrepreneurship has been a challenge for many scholars and researchers in different countries. Not only because of the multidimensional nature of entrepreneurship, but also because of the differences in national regulations setting boundaries for each sector of the economy. Thus, in some countries, craft is a part of the Creative Industries, but in others it is considered as an independent sector of the economy. Understanding what craft is and how craft products can be differentiated and defined has also been a daunting task. Thus, consolidating theoretical knowledge on entrepreneurship and craft entrepreneurship gained from the literature with the results of an empirical study carried out among craft entrepreneurs and consumers of craft products, this study aims to conceptualize craft entrepreneurship and to develop propositions for the definition of craft entrepreneurship by integrating the meaning attributed to craft entrepreneurship and its specifics by craft entrepreneurs with the perception and meaning assigned to craft products and services by consumers. This study applies qualitative methodology and data gathered using semi-structured interviews and open-ended survey questions. 20 craft entrepreneurs represent a perspective of entrepreneurs about entrepreneurship and its specifics in the craft sector, whereas 445 consumers reflect the opinion of the general public about craft and craft-related products. The results of the study indicate that craft entrepreneurship is undoubtedly connected to handmade products, national traditions, small ventures and craft markets and fairs, where craft entrepreneurs commercialize their produce. Although numerous scholars have already attempted to conceptualize craft entrepreneurship theoretically, the contribution of this study is in its integrated application of theoretical and empirical data reflecting the perspectives of entrepreneurs and consumers.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Cottler-Casanova ◽  
Jasmine Abdulcadir

Abstract ObjectiveTo update the indirect prevalence estimates for women and girls living with Female Genital Mutilation Cutting (FGM/C) in Switzerland, using data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office of migrant women and girls born in one of the 30 high-prevalence FGM/C countries that are currently living in Switzerland. MethodsWe used Yoder and Van Baelen’s “Extrapolation of FGM/C Countries’ Prevalence Data” method, where we applied DHS and MICS prevalence figures from the 30 countries when FGM/C is practiced, and applied them to the immigrant women and girls living in Switzerland from the same 30 countries.ResultsIn 2010, the estimated indirect prevalence was 9,059 whereas in 2018, the estimated indirect prevalence was 21,706 women and girls living with or at risk of FGM/C.ConclusionOver the past decade, there have been significant increases in the number of estimated women and girls living with or at risk of FGM/C in Switzerland due to the increase in the total number of women and girls originally coming form the countries where the practice of FGM/C is traditional.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Yamada ◽  
Kenta Wakaizumi ◽  
Yasuhiko Kubota ◽  
Hiroshi Murayama ◽  
Takahiro Tabuchi

Abstract The aim of cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between pain and loneliness and increased social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 25,482 participants, aged 15–79 years, were assessed using an internet survey; the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (Version 3), Short Form 3-item (UCLA-LS3-SF3) was used to assess loneliness, and a modified item of the UCLA-LS3-SF3 was used to measure the perception of increased social isolation during the pandemic. The outcome measures included the prevalence/incidence of pain (i.e., headache, neck or shoulder pain, upper limb pain, low back pain, and leg pain), pain intensity, and chronic pain history/prevalence. Pain intensity was measured by the pain/discomfort item of the 5-level version of the EuroQol 5 Dimension scale. Odds ratios of pain prevalence/incidence and chronic pain history/prevalence according to the UCLA-LS3-SF3 scoring groups (tertiles) and the frequency of the perceived increase in social isolation (categories 1–5) were calculated using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The mean pain intensity values among different loneliness and social isolation levels were tested using an analysis of covariance. Increased loneliness and the severity of the perceived social isolation were positively associated with pain prevalence/incidence, intensity, and the history/prevalence of chronic pain.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra C. Sims ◽  
Anita J. Skarbek

Levels of parental self-efficacy are correlated with both positive and negative care delivery and developmental outcomes for parents and their infants. School nurses are in a unique position to facilitate parenting self-efficacy in teen parents. Using the concept analysis framework of Walker and Avant, parental self-efficacy is analyzed and elucidated to distinguish the concept’s defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. The operational definition of parental self-efficacy arising from this concept review is an individual’s belief that he or she is capable of integrating and executing the knowledge and skills necessary to parent their infant. Model, borderline, related, and contrary cases are presented, along with implications for school nursing practice. School nurses are ideally situated to assist teen parents with parental self-efficacy realization tasks.


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