Brazilian Journal of Pain
https://brjp.org.br/article/doi/10.5935/2595-0118.20190020
Brazilian Journal of Pain
Original Article

Prevalence and factors associated with chronic neuropathic pain in workers of a Brazilian public university

Prevalência e fatores associados à dor neuropática crônica em trabalhadores de uma universidade pública brasileira

Igor Garcia Barreto; Katia Nunes Sá

http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/2595-0118.20190020 BrJP, vol.2, n2, p.105-111, 2019
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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although it is a public health problem, the prevalence of chronic pain, especially in workers, is underestimated. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of chronic pain and chronic neuropathic pain in workers of a federal public institution and to identify the associated factors.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in a stratified random sample of civil servants of a federal higher education institution, between October 2017 and March 2018. Standardized questionnaires involving sociodemographic characteristics and life habits were applied. For those with chronic pain (duration equal to or greater than three months), a questionnaire with pain characteristics was also applied, including a body map, the visual analog scale, and the neuropathic pain questionnaire Doleur Neuropathic 4. The prevalence of chronic pain was estimated, and the Poisson model was used to test the associations between variables (5% of alpha).

RESULTS: In a sample of 108 active civil servants, chronic pain was found in 50% of the sample (95% CI=40.6-59.4) and chronic neuropathic pain in 12% (CI 95%=6.9-19.2). No associations were found between chronic pain and sociodemographic characteristics or life habits. An independent association was confirmed between the frequency of pain and neuropathic pain, where continuous pain in relation to the occasional pain showed a prevalence ratio of 5.17 (CI95% CI=1.69-15.79, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION: Chronic pain had a high prevalence in the institution, being continuous in workers with neuropathic pain. The severity of this type of pain requires urgent actions for its control.

Keywords

Chronic pain, Pain measurement, Risk factors

Resumo

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Embora seja um problema de saúde pública, a prevalência de dor crônica, especialmente em trabalhadores, é subestimada. O presente estudo teve o objetivo de estimar a prevalência de dor crônica e de dor neuropática crônica em trabalhadores de uma instituição pública federal e identificar os fatores associados.

MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal conduzido em amostra aleatória estratificada de servidores de uma instituição de ensino superior federal, entre outubro de 2017 e março de 2018. Foram aplicados questionários padronizados envolvendo características sociodemográficas e hábitos de vida. Para os que tinham dor crônica (duração igual ou maior que três meses), foram também aplicados um questionário de características dolorosas, envolvendo um mapa corporal, a escala visual analógica e o questionário de dor neuropática Doleur Neuropathic 4. A prevalência de dor crônica foi estimada e o modelo de Poisson utilizado para testar as associações entre as variáveis (alfa de 5%).

RESULTADOS: Em uma amostra de 108 servidores ativos, a dor crônica foi encontrada em 50% da amostra (IC95%=40,6-59,4), sendo 12% (IC95%=6,9-19,2) com características neuropáticas. Não foram encontradas associações entre dor crônica e características sociodemográficas ou hábitos de vida. Foi confirmada a associação independente entre a frequência de dor e dor neuropática, onde a dor contínua em relação à ocasional apresentou razão de prevalência de 5,17 (IC95%=1,69-15,79; p=0,004).

CONCLUSÃO: A dor crônica apresentou elevada prevalência na instituição, sendo contínua em trabalhadores com dor neuropática. A gravidade desse tipo de dor exige ações urgentes para seu controle.

Palavras-chave

Dor crônica, Fatores de risco, Mensuração da dor

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Submitted date:
12/11/2018

Accepted date:
03/20/2019

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