Epidemiology of chronic pain in Kosovo and its impact on public health

Session

Medicine and Nursing

Description

Background

Chronic pain is a common, complex, and distressing problem that significantly impacts public health. Worldwide, the burden caused by chronic pain is escalating: 1.9 billion people were affected by recurrent tension-type headaches, the most common symptomatic chronic condition. In the literature review was found that chronic pain affects 10-55% of the adult population.

This paper aimed to learn more about chronic pain and its impact on public health.

Methodology

The research was of retrospective type. There was a literature review of the epidemiological data on chronic pain, separating cancer pain and non-cancer pain where possible. The medical protocols in the Main Center of Family Medicine in Prizren and in the General Hospital of Prizren were analyzed, specifically in the internal ward, rheumatology service, neurology ward, orthopedic ward, and emergency service. Data are obtained for the period January-December 2021.

Results

As long as we do not have a register at the national level, we can not conclude what is the incidence of cases of chronic pain in Kosovo. However, according to the results obtained from the protocols of MFMC and the Hospital in Prizren, chronic pain has been the most common symptom of patient visits. Based on the data from the analysis, it was noticed that the female gender (62%) was more affected by chronic pain, while no case was under 18 years old. Of the identified chronic pains, headache has dominated, then back pain, neck pain, and muscle pain in general. There was no protocol for the treatment of chronic pain in either the MFMC or the Prizren Hospital.

Conclusion

The risk factors related to chronic pain need to be addressed by managing the causes and effects of chronic pain. As there is no chronic pain registry and chronic pain treatment protocol nationwide, it is important to establish them to improve the well-being of the population.

Keywords:

chronic pain, epidemiology, pain management.

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-550-50-5

Location

UBT Kampus, Lipjan

Start Date

29-9-2022 12:00 AM

End Date

30-10-2022 12:00 AM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2022.174

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Sep 29th, 12:00 AM Oct 30th, 12:00 AM

Epidemiology of chronic pain in Kosovo and its impact on public health

UBT Kampus, Lipjan

Background

Chronic pain is a common, complex, and distressing problem that significantly impacts public health. Worldwide, the burden caused by chronic pain is escalating: 1.9 billion people were affected by recurrent tension-type headaches, the most common symptomatic chronic condition. In the literature review was found that chronic pain affects 10-55% of the adult population.

This paper aimed to learn more about chronic pain and its impact on public health.

Methodology

The research was of retrospective type. There was a literature review of the epidemiological data on chronic pain, separating cancer pain and non-cancer pain where possible. The medical protocols in the Main Center of Family Medicine in Prizren and in the General Hospital of Prizren were analyzed, specifically in the internal ward, rheumatology service, neurology ward, orthopedic ward, and emergency service. Data are obtained for the period January-December 2021.

Results

As long as we do not have a register at the national level, we can not conclude what is the incidence of cases of chronic pain in Kosovo. However, according to the results obtained from the protocols of MFMC and the Hospital in Prizren, chronic pain has been the most common symptom of patient visits. Based on the data from the analysis, it was noticed that the female gender (62%) was more affected by chronic pain, while no case was under 18 years old. Of the identified chronic pains, headache has dominated, then back pain, neck pain, and muscle pain in general. There was no protocol for the treatment of chronic pain in either the MFMC or the Prizren Hospital.

Conclusion

The risk factors related to chronic pain need to be addressed by managing the causes and effects of chronic pain. As there is no chronic pain registry and chronic pain treatment protocol nationwide, it is important to establish them to improve the well-being of the population.