Risk factors associated with the development and persistence of pain in adolescents: an international Delphi study.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite significant advancements in research on paediatric pain, a consensus on the primary risk factors (RFs) for the development and persistence of pain in this population has not yet been reached.

Objectives: This study aims to establish a consensus among experts on the most significant RFs for the onset and persistence of pain in adolescents.

Methods: A modified international e-Delphi study with 4 rounds was conducted. An international and multidisciplinary panel of experts in paediatric pain and/or pain RFs was recruited. The experts were provided with 2 lists of potential RFs (1 for the onset, 1 for the persistence of pain) and were asked to rate the importance of each RF on a 5-point Likert scale. In each round, experts were asked to reconsider their answers in light of other experts' evaluations and comments.

Results: A total of 43 experts participated in the study (33 completed all rounds). Forty-six RFs (out of 74) reached consensus for pain onset, and 4 were considered very important. Regarding the persistence of pain, consensus was reached on 56 out of 88 RFs. Eleven of these were found to be very important.

Conclusion: This study generated consensus among experts on the importance of several RFs for the development and persistence of pain in adolescents. This consensus will be valuable in informing the design of future longitudinal studies, as well as treatment and preventive programs.