The experience of chronic nonmalignant pain.
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.
Hitchcock
L S
LS
National Chronic Pain Outreach Association, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-2429.
Ferrell
B R
BR
McCaffery
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D059408:Pain Management; D011788:Quality of Life; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States