Citation

Hitchcock LS, Ferrell BR, McCaffery M. J. Pain Symptom Manage. 1994; 9(5): 312-318.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0885-3924(94)90190-2

PMID

7963783

Abstract

This article reports the results of a survey of 204 persons with chronic nonmalignant pain who were members of a national self-help organization. The survey evaluated the organization, explored the perceived effect of pain on quality of life, and assessed experiences with and perceptions of health-care providers. Response rate was 40%. Of survey respondents, 50% reported inadequate pain relief. Respondents identified depression as one of the worst problems caused by their chronic pain: 50% reported that they had considered suicide due to feelings of hopelessness associated with their pain, 51% reported taking only as much medication as prescribed, and 44% reported taking less medication than prescribed. Further investigation is needed to describe the personal impact of chronic nonmalignant pain.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude of Health Personnel; Chronic Disease; Humans; Middle Aged; Pain; Pain Management; Quality of Life; Self-Help Groups; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States