Chronic Pain Among Homeless People
Author Information
Author(s): Stephen W Hwang, Emma Wilkins, Catharine Chambers, Eileen Estrabillo, Jon Berends, Anna MacDonald
Primary Institution: Centre for Research on Inner City Health, The Keenan Research Centre in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
Hypothesis
Participants who have more severe chronic pain would be more likely to require treatment for pain management, experience a greater number of barriers to pain management, have more concurrent medical conditions, and report more frequent substance use.
Conclusion
Clinicians should screen for chronic pain in homeless individuals and discuss barriers to effective pain management.
Supporting Evidence
- More than one-third of participants were classified as Chronic Pain Grade IV, indicating high intensity and high disability.
- Participants reported numerous barriers to chronic pain management, including financial issues and poor living conditions.
- Only 51% of physicians reported treating the patient's pain.
Takeaway
This study looked at how homeless people deal with chronic pain and found that many face big challenges in getting the help they need.
Methodology
Participants were randomly selected from shelters and screened for chronic pain using surveys that collected demographic information and pain management details.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data on chronic pain and the inability to interview all physicians.
Limitations
The study's sample was restricted to homeless single adults using shelters, limiting generalizability to other homeless populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were homeless single adults, with a mean age of 48.2 years and a mix of genders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 8.7-11.9 years
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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