Chronic pain in multiple sites is associated with depressive symptoms in US adults: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Chronic pain poses a significant public health challenge, yet its manifestation in multiple body areas remains insufficiently studied. This study seeks to explore the relationship between chronic pain affecting multiple sites and depression.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2010 regarding chronic pain and depression, employing weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to explore the relationship between the number of body sites impacted by chronic pain and depression rates. Furthermore, subgroup analyses were performed to identify possible confounding factors that could affect this relationship.

Results

There is a correlation between chronic pain and higher risk of depression (OR 3.821, 95% CI 3.138–4.646, P < 0.001). The multivariable-adjusted observational study indicates that, compared to individuals without chronic pain, the risk of depression is significantly associated with an increasing number of body sites affected by chronic pain. Specifically, when a person experiences chronic pain in five different areas, the risk of depression peaks (OR 16.050, 95% CI 8.723–29.905, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate a significant correlation between chronic pain in multiple sites and depressive symptoms.