[Potential risk factors and consequences of chronic pain among Hungarian adolescents]

Introduction: Based on international data, the prevalence of chronic pain is 25% among adolescents which is associated with poor quality of life, extensive use of healthcare, and overuse of pain medication. Little is known about the medication use and chronic pain in Hungary. Aim: To assess the prevalence and potential socio-demographic risk factors of chronic pain and medication use among Hungarian adolescents. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological study at primary and secondary schools with 354 school-children. Adolescents responded to questionnaires about demographic variables, characteristics of chronic pain, use of health-care system and medication. Results: 110 adolescents (31.1%) suffered from chronic pain in our sample. Pain in extremities was the most prevalent pain type. 4.6% (n = 5) of children suffered from continuous pain. The prevalence was lower among boys (χ² = 9.4; p = 0.002) and younger subjects (Mann-Whitney U = 10906.5; p = 0.004). Sleep disorder was more frequent among adolescents with chronic pain (χ² = 8.9; p = 0.03). Time from onset, intensity, prevalence and duration of pain were associated with the prevalence of visits to physicians. 78% (n = 276) of the sample took medication in the previous 6 months, however, regular medication use was as high as 48.3% (n = 171). We found a significant association between medication use and older age, female sex, and the presence of chronic pain. Medication use against pain among adolescents with chronic pain was significantly higher (n = 83.0, 75.5%). Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic pain, medication use and visits to physicians is considerable among Hungarian adolescents. It is an important healthcare challenge with long-term consequences until adulthood. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(13): 502-509.