The prevalence of pain among adult patients attending outpatient clinics in Trinidad

Abstract

Objectives To determine the prevalence of pain among adult patients attending outpatient clinics in Trinidad and the factors associated with the higher prevalence of chronic pain. Methods A direct face-to face survey was conducted in adult patients of the medical and surgical outpatient clinics of the major hospitals. Data recorded included demographics, clinical information. A Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRS) was used to quantify the intensity of pain. Patient perceptions regarding the chronic pain was captured by a 6-item questionnaire in a 5-point Likert Scale. Results A total of 621 adult patients were studied. Overall, acute pain was prevalent in 13% and chronic pain in 56% of the outpatients. Majority of the patients ranked their pain severity as 8 and 10 on the NRS. Pain was commonly affecting back and lower limbs. Older age, female gender, East Indian ethnicity and surgical conditions predisposed to higher prevalence of pain. Although 90% of the patients were treated with analgesics, 33% were dissatisfied with the management. More than 80% of patients felt that their chronic pain affected their quality of life and 64% felt it caused financial burden in their life. Conclusion The prevalence of pain is high in adult Trinidadian outpatients. Pain was of severe intensity, commonly affected the back and lower limbs. Many patients were not satisfied with their current treatment. There is a need for establishing pain clinics in the public healthcare system of Trinidad & Tobago.