A Fairly Comprehensive Survey of Chronic Pain in Iranian Population: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact on Daily Life

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain has been estimated to affect between 2% - 40% of the adult population and its prevalence is increasing. Objectives: This study aimed to provide epidemiological data of chronic pain and associated factors in Tehran, capital of Iran. Patients and Method: We analyzed the data of 23457 people, from the Urban HEART-2 (health equity assessment and response tool) study in Tehran, collected in October 2011, and determined the association between any type of chronic pain and other variables using multiple logistic regressions. Results: The prevalence of chronic pain among adults in Tehran City was 24%. Chronic low back pain and chronic knee pain were the most common complaints (12.4% and 11.2%, respectively). A significant difference was found in the prevalence of chronic pain between districts of Tehran (P < 0.001). Associated factors were different for different types of chronic pain, and anxiety and increasing age were identified as common risk factors associated with all types of chronic pain (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study show a considerable prevalence of chronic pain among adults in Tehran. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to different types of chronic pain by planners and policy makers.