Association between Chronic Pain and Diabetes/Prediabetes: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia

Khaled K. Aldossari, Mamdouh M. Shubair, Jamaan Al-Zahrani, Abdulrahman A. Alduraywish, Khalid Alahmary, Salwa Bahkali, Sara M. Aloudah, Sami Almustanyir, Laila Al-Rizqi, Sally A. El-Zahaby, Paivi Toivola, Ashraf El-Metwally

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20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Diabetes is a debilitating chronic health condition that is associated with certain pain syndromes. The present study sought to evaluate chronic pain and its association with diabetes mellitus at a population level. Methods. A population-based cross-sectional questionnaire survey study was conducted in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, from January 2016 to June 2016. Participants from both private and governmental institutions were selected following a multistage sampling technique and using a cluster sampling method. Anthropometric measurements were taken, including body weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. A blood sample was also drawn from each respondent for fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and fasting lipid profile. A P value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results. A total of 1003 subjects were included for final analysis. Compared to prediabetic and nondiabetic individuals, diabetic subjects had a higher prevalence of lower limb pain (11.1%), back pain (8.9%), abdominal pain (6.7%), and neck pain (4.4%) (X2 = 27.792, P=0.015). In a multiple logistic regression model, after adjusting for age, gender, education level, cholesterol, and smoking status, diabetic/prediabetic patients had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic pain ((OR) = 1.931 (95% CI = 1.536-2.362), P=0.037). Increased age was also significantly associated with chronic pain ((OR) = 1.032 (95% CI = 1.010-1.054, P=0.004). Conclusion. Results of this study found a significant association between diabetes and prediabetes and chronic pain symptoms. Prospective studies are needed to explore temporality of such association.

Original languageEnglish
Article number8239474
JournalPain Research and Management
Volume2020
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

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