Chronic Pain Characteristics and Interference With Daily Activities in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Few studies have analyzed the characteristics of chronic pain and its functional interference. This study aims to measure the prevalence of pain and assess the intensity, location, treatments used and functional interference in the daily living of patients with chronic pain undergoing hemodialysis treatments in Morocco.

DESIGN

This research has a descriptive cross-sectional design

METHODS

A multicenter study was performed in four public hemodialysis centers in Morocco's northern region including 174 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Sociodemographic, chronic pain and interference were evaluated through a structured questionnaire, the Visual Analog Scale and the Brief Pain Inventory.

RESULTS

Descriptive statistics were applied to data analysis. The prevalence of chronic pain was 56.7%, severe in 50.6% of cases and 81.6% experienced continuous pain. The most common pain locations among patients undergoing hemodialysis were the lower limbs 58.6%, back 41.4% and hips 36.4%. Therefore, a high prevalence of severe functional interference of pain has been found in walking 60.34%, general activities 52.87% and work 48.85%. Additionally, analgesics were used by 73.6% of patients, with 46.1% of instances involving frequent use and relief for 32.81%.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic pain is prevalent, undertreated and localized in the lower limbs, back and hips, leading to severe interference with functional activities.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This evidence makes professionals aware of their patient's pain and its impact, and consequently, their assessment must be conducted in a primordial and regular manner to improve management. Pain management can be based on pharmacological approaches such as opioids as well as nonpharmacological approaches.