Sociodemographic properties and pain prevalance of patient’s applied to policlinic of Algology Department of Adnan Menderes University Medical Faculty

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the differences and similarities of the sociodemographic properties and pain conditions of patients, from that of other studies conducted all around the world.
Material and Methods: In our policlinic, all the patients are asked the questions in the “Pain Assessment Form” before the diagnosis and answers are recorded. Their demographic characteristics such as age, gender, occupation, marital status, education and economical status are written on the forms. For the detailed pain anamnesis, following factors are questioned and recorded in the pain assessment form: The location, quantity and starting time of pain, its period, the factors that increase and decrease the pain, duration of pain, prior medication.
Results: Our study includes the results of 772 patients who applied to our policlinic between January 1st, 2006 and December 31st, 2007. The most frequent complaints were the region of low back, shoulder and head. The most frequent three diagnoses were low back pain, musculoskeletal pain and headache. VAS value was found to be 7.3.. Seventy three percent of patients had been suffering from chronic pain. Pain was mostly accompanied by weakness, muscle weakness, insomnia, nausea and vomiting. The most frequent treatments were medical treatments along with invasive pain therapy.
Conclusion: Knowing sociodemographic properties and close investigation of patients’ answers to the treatments are important. When medical treatment is insufficient, invasive pain treatment should be realized by experienced pain therapy practitioner. Informing patients and their relatives about applied treatment may increase the success of treatment.