Prevalence and psychiatric correlates of pain interference among men and women in the general population

J Psychiatr Res. 2012 Jan;46(1):118-27. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.09.004. Epub 2011 Sep 23.

Abstract

Objective: To examine gender differences in the associations of levels of pain interference and psychiatric disorders among a nationally representative sample of adult men and women.

Method: Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed on data obtained from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions from 42,750 adult respondents (48% men; 52% women), who were categorized according to three levels of pain interference (i.e., no or low pain interference [NPI], moderate pain interference [MPI], severe pain interference [SPI]).

Results: Female respondents in comparison to male respondents were more likely to exhibit moderate (p < 0.001) or severe pain interference (p < 0.001). Levels of pain interference were associated with past-year Axis I and lifetime Axis II psychiatric disorders in both male and female respondents (p < 0.05), with the largest odds typically observed in association with moderate or severe pain interference. A stronger relationship between MPI and alcohol abuse or dependence (OR = 1.61, p < 0.05) was observed in male participants as compared to female ones, while a stronger relationship between SPI and drug abuse or dependence (OR = 0.57, p < 0.05) was observed in female respondents as compared to male ones.

Conclusions: Levels of pain interference are associated with the prevalence of Axis I and Axis II psychiatric disorders in both men and women. Differences in the patterns of co-occurring substance-related disorders between levels of pain interference in male and female respondents indicate the importance of considering gender-related factors associated with levels of pain interference in developing improved mental health prevention and treatment strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / epidemiology*
  • Pain / psychology
  • Pain Management / methods
  • Pain Management / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prevalence
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Quality of Life
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Young Adult