The Prevalence of Chronic Pain among Adults in India

The prevalence of chronic pain (CP) is well described in Europe, America, and Australia. However, little knowledge is available of the prevalence of CP within Asia or Southeast Asia. Given the cultural and genetic variation in pain causation, manifestation, and reporting, the findings of previous western studies cannot be extrapolated to Asian countries. A prevalence study was needed to be carried out to quantify the magnitude and impact of CP in the adult population in India.

Two sets of questionnaires were designed. The first, a screening questionnaire was used telephonically to identify the prevalence of CP, and should there be CP; the second, a detailed questionnaire was administered, to characterize the features and impact of pain. The interviews were carried out face-to-face.

A total of 4326 Indian patients were screened, and 836 completed a detailed pain questionnaire during 2006. The prevalence of CP was found to be 19.3% (n = 836). There was a higher prevalence in females (25.2%). Pain prevalence increased steeply beyond the age of 65 years old. There was a significant impact of CP on work and daily function.

This Indian adults' population survey about CP found a higher prevalence of CP as compared to other Asian pain prevalence studies; however, the impact of pain was just as significant. In a rapidly aging population, CP is emerging as a significant healthcare problem which may likely to exert an increasing toll on the existing social infrastructure within the next two decades.