[Reports of pain in the musculoskeletal system: results of a questionnaire among a representative Austrian population].
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to document the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the Austrian population as well as an analysis of the different pain parameters and a comparison between the group of persons with and without pain. Relevant data like pain region, pain intensity, duration of treatment and geographic distribution are presented in detail.


METHODS
503 persons selected by the "quota procedure" as representative for the Austrian population were interviewed face to face.


RESULTS
36.2 % of the interviewed persons reported pain in the musculoskeletal system within the last 3 weeks. The regions of the spine were mentioned most frequently (53.9 %).The groups of persons with and without pain differed significantly in age and geographic distribution. The results are well comparable to data from a similar study from 2006.


CONCLUSIONS
A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the Austrian population is ascertained. The spine regions are most frequently affected and associated with older age and high intensity of pain. Therefore further specific treatment for patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain and appropriate preventive measurements should be targeted in the future.
Machacek
P
P
Abteilung für Orthopädische Schmerztherapie, Orthopädisches Spital Speising, Wien, Osterreich. peter.machacek@oss.at
Friedrich
M
M
Hahne
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001317:Austria; D001416:Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires