[Chronic pain in Lausanne: key data on our population]

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Pain Medicine
• Public Health

Context:

• The CoLaus cohort study investigated chronic pain prevalence and characteristics within the Lausanne population.
• Chronic pain significantly impacts quality of life, necessitating research into its determinants and recovery factors.

Purpose:

• To analyze the demographics, development, and healing factors of chronic pain in Lausanne.
• To identify predictors of recovery and non-recovery from chronic pain.

Summary:

• Moderate to severe chronic pain, predominantly back pain, affects 11.6% of the Lausanne population.
• Neuropathic pain constitutes a quarter of cases and is linked to increased comorbidities.
• Opioid consumption shows an upward trend despite low overall analgesic use.

Impact:

• Male gender is associated with better recovery outcomes.
• Factors reducing recovery chances include older age, overweight, severe depression, and analgesic use.
• Findings underscore the need for region-specific, targeted interventions for effective chronic pain management.