Abstract
Western studies document the prevalence of chronic pain in the general adult population
to be between 2 and 55%. Knowing the prevalence of chronic pain among Chinese populations
provides important comparative perspective: To determine the prevalence of chronic
pain in the general population of Hong Kong; evaluate the relationship of chronic
pain with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors; and describe the pain characteristics
among chronic pain sufferers. A total of 5,001 adults aged ≥18 years (response rate
58%) drawn from the general population of Hong Kong completed the Chronic Pain Grade
(CPG) questionnaire, providing information on chronic pain and sociodemographic status
using telephone interviews. Overall 34.9% reported pain lasting more than 3 months
(chronic pain), having an average of 1.5 pain sites; 35.2% experienced multiple pain
sites, most commonly of the legs, back, and head with leg and back being rated as
the most significant pain areas among those with multiple pain problems. The CPG criteria
classified 21.5% of those with chronic pain symptoms as Grade III or above. Fully
adjusted stepwise regression analyses identified being female, older age, divorced/separated,
having part-time employment, existing long-term health problems, higher HADS Anxiety
scores, poor QoL (mental health component), and low self-perceived health to be significantly
associated with chronic pain.
Perspective
Our data evidenced that chronic pain is common in the general population of Hong Kong,
and the prevalence is highest among women and middle-aged adults.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 27, 2010
Accepted:
July 8,
2010
Received in revised form:
May 3,
2010
Received:
February 12,
2010
Footnotes
Supported by a grant from the Hong Kong Government Health Services Research Committee (HSRC # 04060591).
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
