The prevalence of pain complaints in a general population in Israel and its implications for utilization of health services

Objective. To determine the prevalence of pain complaints, specifically of chronic widespread pain, in the general population; and to explore the util ization of health services by various pain groups. Methods. Cross sectional population survey of 2210 adults in the southern p art of Israel, who were classified into 5 pain groups: no pain, transient p ain, chronic regional pain, chronic widespread pain, and other. Participant s were interviewed about pain patterns and utilization of health services. Results, Forty-four percent reported pain on the day of the interview. The prevalence of chronic widespread pain in the study population was 9.9%, 14% in women and 3% in men (p < 0.01). The prevalence in the Israeli adult pop ulation was estimated after adjusting for sex and age as 10.2%. The prevale nce of any chronic pain (regional or widespread) increased with age. The pr evalence of chronic widespread pain was significantly higher in women than in men across all age groups (p < 0.01). Persons with chronic widespread pa in reported most frequent visits to their physicians (10.8 visits/year) and most frequent use of antiinflammatory and analgesic drugs. They were more frequently referred to specialists and tended to be hospitalized slightly m ore often. Conclusion. In the general population in Israel, widespread pain is common, and its prevalence is comparable with reports from USA, UK, and Canada.