Prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with chronic pain with and without neuropathic characteristics in São Luís, Brazil.

CONTEXT

Chronic pain (CP) with and without neuropathic characteristics is a public health problem. This is the first population-based study in South America, and the third in the world, to use the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) tool in epidemiologic studies.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of CP with and without neuropathic characteristics in São Luís, Brazil.

METHODS

We surveyed 1597 people. The DN4 questionnaire was applied. Poisson regression was used to analyze the risk factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CP was 42%, and 10% had CP with neuropathic characteristics (CPNC). The results showed that female sex and age ≥30 years were associated with an increased prevalence of CP (P<0.001) and education ≥12 years with a reduction in the prevalence of CP. The sensations listed in the DN4 were more common in people with CPNC and most frequent were pins and needles (87.9%). The cephalic region (36%) and limbs (51%) were the locations most affected. Most respondents felt pain between six months and four years (51.6%), with daily frequency (45%). Pain intensity, the impediments caused by pain, and sadness were more prevalent in people who had CPNC (P<0.001). Health status was regular for most, 50.9% did not know the cause of their pain, 64.1% used drugs, and only 7% had consulted with a pain specialist. Dissatisfaction with treatment was reported by 55%.

CONCLUSION

CP with and without neuropathic characteristics is a public health problem in Brazil, with high prevalence and great influence on people's daily lives.