Knowledge, awareness, and practices of chronic pain among uttarakhand patients

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is a silent pandemic with a prevalence varying from 15% to 30% globally. Yet there is widespread ignorance among health professionals as well as society. We conducted this institution-based study among chronic pain patients with the aim to know their awareness and knowledge about chronic pain and pain physicians. The gist of this study can help us in future to bridge the gap and create mindfulness among the masses regarding chronic pain. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and seventy-three people with chronic pain were questioned about their knowledge and awareness of chronic pain through a questionnaire comprising eight questions. Results: Out of 273 participants, 84.62% took treatment for chronic pain. Yet only 2% consulted pain physicians. 62.64% and 73.63% had no idea about chronic pain being a disease in itself and pain physicians, respectively. All the illiterate participants were unaware of the presence of pain specialists and 89.47% of them were ignorant of the sound effects of physical activities in treating chronic pain conditions. Conclusion: The majority of the participants were not aware that chronic pain can be a disease in itself and that there are pain physicians who specialize in treating this condition. However, most of them had an idea about the beneficial effects of performing daily physical activities. Furthermore, the level of education had an impact with illiterates having the least insight about the participants. These lacunae can be improved by educating people, creating more awareness, and further encouraging pain services.