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Pain as a global public health priority
Daniel S Goldberg1, Summer J McGee
1Department of Bioethics & Interdisciplinary Studies, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Blvd, Mailstop 641, Greenville, NC 27834, USA. goldbergd@ecu.edu
BMC Public Health
|October 8, 2011
Summary
Pain affects 20% of adults globally, yet public health approaches are lacking. Recognizing pain as a public health issue, considering social determinants, is crucial for policy and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy
Background:
- Pain is a widespread global health issue, affecting 20% of adults worldwide.
- 10% of adults are diagnosed with chronic pain annually.
- Pain is predominantly viewed as a medical issue, neglected by public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for viewing pain through a public health lens.
- To highlight the social determinants of health influencing pain.
- To inform public health policy and practice for pain management.
Main Methods:
- Review of global pain prevalence and incidence data.
- Analysis of the social and health consequences of pain.
- Examination of current public health strategies related to pain.
Main Results:
- Pain is a multifaceted issue with significant social and health impacts.
- Social determinants of health are key contributors to pain.
- Existing public health frameworks inadequately address pain.
Conclusions:
- Viewing pain as a public health problem is essential for effective interventions.
- Public health scholars and practitioners must address pain's ubiquity.
- Integrating pain into public health policy can improve management and reduce health inequities.
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