Open AccessPrevalence of Chronic Pain with Neuropathic Characteristics in the M oroccan General Population: A National Survey
Author(s) -
Harifi Ghita,
Amine Mohamed,
Ait Ouazar Mariam,
Boujemaoui Asmae,
Ouilki Imane,
Rekkab Imane,
Belkhou Ahlam,
El Bouchti Imane,
Niamane Redouane,
El Hassani Selma
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1111/pme.12009
Subject(s) - neuropathic pain , medicine , chronic pain , population , physical therapy , cross sectional study , anesthesia , environmental health , pathology
Objective. We conducted a telephonic survey to determine the prevalence of chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics ( NC ) in the M oroccan general population. Design. We performed a large nationwide telephonic survey based upon a random sampling of households in the 16 administrative regions of M orocco to determine the prevalence of chronic pain with NC in the general population. We used a stratified sampling taking into account the number of residents in each region. A sample of households was drawn for each of the 16 regions using systematic sampling. Outcome Measures. A questionnaire aimed at identifying chronic pain (defined as daily pain for at least 3 months), evaluating its intensity, duration, and body locations was used. The M oroccan validated version of DN 4 questionnaire was used to identify neuropathic characteristics. Results. A total of 5,328 respondents participated in the survey. 21% of the respondents (1,074) (95% CI : 19,9–22,2), reported chronic daily pain for more than 3 months. The point prevalence of chronic pain with NC , was 10.6% (95% CI : 9,75–11,45). The prevalence was higher in women and individuals older than 60. Chronic pain with NC was significantly more prevalent in women, elderly, illiterate respondents, and respondents from lower social class. It was more frequently located in the lower limbs, and its intensity and duration were higher in comparison with chronic pain without neuropathic characteristics. Conclusion. Chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics is probably more prevalent in the general population than was previously thought and is generally more severe than other chronic pain.