Prevalence of chronic pain in adults in Costa Rica, Jan-2020 to March-2021

Abstract

Introduction:  The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiological behavior and care of adults with chronicle pain. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted through a telephone survey (home telephone), to people over 19 years , resident in Costa Rica for at least three months, estimated a random sample with national representativeness, weighted according to the 82 cantons of the country. The prevalence of chronic pain was determined with its respective CI 95% for the country and each province. Results:  interviews were conducted to 375 people in an age range of 57.4 years (SD 17.4), 73.1% women. One hundred and eight people reported chronic pain for a national prevalence of 28.8% (95% CI 24.3-33.7), with a mean age significantly higher than the interviewed population (62.9 years; SD 14.2). None difference were found by province. The mean duration of pain was 61 months (SD: 104.7; range 36-756 months). Osteoarthritis, as a single cause, occurred in 65.6% of cases. The lower limb was the most frequent location (53.70%). For the intensity of pain (numerical scale from 0 to 10): 69.4% scored equal to or greater than 5, 29.6% was placed on the scale between 8 to 10. According to their frequency, 54% had pain on a daily basis; most described it as numbness (40.74%). Eighty-three percent used pharmacological measures, mainly no steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs were used by a 76.9%; 64% of these was prescribed by a professional in medicine, 30% self-medicated or follow advertising advice or friend recommendation. The working area was the most affected sphere of daily life (70.37%), followed by sleep disorders (59.3%). Conclusion: chronicle pain in adults in Costa Rica is a public health problem, with prevalence similar to the one reported in Latin America, that increases significantly with age. Most people, who suffer from it, are affected daily for prolonged period. It highlights the low use of opioid, a high consumption of NSAIDS and self-medication.