Prevalence of Pain in Family Medicine Clinic of Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Introduction: Pain is the most common reason for physician consultation in most advanced countries such as the United States. It is a major symptom in many medical conditions, and can significantly interfere with a person's quality of life and general functioning.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pain among adult patients and to describe the localization, duration and severity of pain in this population.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was used. Consenting participants aged 18 years or older were recruited for the study. Descriptive and pain-specific data were collected using a predesigned interviewer administered questionnaire and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The initial questionnaire elicited information on demographic variables, pain prevalence, and pain characteristics, and the BPI was used to characterize pain further.
Results: A total of 100 subjects participated in the study and the mean age was 44.94±14.92 years. The prevalence of pain (defined as any subject who reported pain as a top or secondary reason for the visit) was 84.0% (95% CI 76.7% – 91.3%). More than one-half (52.4%) of the subjects complained of pains in the lower limbs and back and the duration of pain was less than 6 months in 58.3% of the subjects. More than one-half (54.8%) of the subjects who presented with pain claimed that pain interfere with their walking ability. No significant association was found between socio-demographic characteristic and prevalence of pain.
Conclusion: The prevalence of pain in Family Medicine Clinic of the Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso is very high. It affects mainly the lower limbs and the back and interferes with their walking ability. Majority of them presented with severe pain that is usually less than 6 months.