Occurrence of multisite pain and associated factors: results from an Australian population-based study

There is evidence to suggest musculoskeletal pain at multiple sites is more common than single site pain.

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with multisite musculoskeletal pain.

Survey and clinically based.

Data from the North West Adelaide Health Study, a population-based cohort study in the northern and western suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia were used in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a computer-assisted telephone interview, clinical assessment, and a self-reported questionnaire to assess the prevalence of pain, aching or stiffness, in the back, knee, shoulder, foot, hip and hand. The prevalence of single site, and multisite (two or more sites), pain was determined. Multivariable logistic regression determined the factors associated with multisite pain.

In 2638 adults [mean (SD) age = 50.7 years (16.72)], single site pain was reported by 23.1% (95% CI 20.6-25.8) while 49.9% (95% CI 46.9-53.0) reported multisite pain. Hip and back pain were most likely to occur together (OR 7.08, 95% CI 5.45-8.88). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that pain in two or more pain sites was independently associated with financial stress, lower educational levels and depressive symptoms, fair/poor general health and pain intensity after adjustment for age, sex and body mass index.

The occurrence of multisite pain was higher than single site pain, although data are self-reported which may lead to recall bias. An increasing number of pain sites negatively impacts on general health. Consideration of modifiable factors, such as depression and psychosocial support, may assist in health promotion and management of multisite pain.