Background: There are limited data on non-oncological high-impact chronic pain (HICP) in Ecuador; we report the epidemiological characteristics of HICP. Materials & methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included a random sample of adult individuals who had cell phones. Results & conclusion: The weighted prevalence of HICP was 9.0%: 12.3% for women and 5.6% for men (p = 0.001). HICP was more frequently localized in the lower back and affected the economically active population. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were more commonly used; however, 61% of patients indicated that the effectiveness of their management was low. Overall, HICP had a negative impact on daily life activities. The effectiveness of the current treatment was low and should include an integrated approach.
Keywords: Ecuador; chronic pain; epidemiology; high-impact chronic pain; non-oncological pain; pain management.
We report the frequency, characteristics and associated factors of non-cancer high-impact chronic pain (HICP) in Ecuador. HICP refers to pain that has been felt constantly in the last 3 months. Women were more often affected, and the pain was more commonly localized in the lower back. Most patients indicated that their pain treatment was poor. HICP was common and had a negative impact on daily life activities. The current treatment of HICP must consider the physical and mental aspects of the people who suffer from it; this requires a combination of treatments such as drugs, exercise, physical rehabilitation and mind–body interventions.