Comorbidity of pain-associated disability and depressive symptoms in connection with sociodemographic variables: results from a cross-sectional epidemiological survey in Hungary

Pain. 2001 Aug;93(2):115-121. doi: 10.1016/S0304-3959(01)00301-3.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pain symptoms causing disabilities in every-day activities and their possible connection to depressive symptomatology. A representative sample of 12640 adults from the Hungarian population participated in a door-to-door survey about demographic variables, pain-associated disability, and depressive symptomatology. The overall prevalence of pain-associated disability was 32.7%, significantly lower in men, showing a significant increasing trend with age. A decreasing tendency in prevalence rates was observed in connection with higher educational and occupational status. Results revealed a 30.2% prevalence of depressive symptomatology among interviewees reporting pain-associated disabilities. The co-prevalence of depressive symptoms revealed a significant increasing trend with age and lower educational level. No significant gender difference was found in the co-occurrence of depressive symptoms. This survey concludes that pain symptoms constitute a substantial public health problem in the Hungarian population in forms of emerging disabilities and depression. Epidemiological studies offer a better understanding of sociodemographic differences in health status, and serve the better allocation of professional and economic resources.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Comorbidity
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hungary / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pain / epidemiology*
  • Pain / psychology*
  • Pain / rehabilitation
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Distribution