Abstract

1.1.Objective: Restricted normal activities associated with chronic pain are well documented. In contrast, there is a paucity of reports regarding the association between chronic pain patients and their sexual function. The aim of the present “snapshot” study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction (SD) in a cohort of patients suffering from chronic pain.

1.2.Methods: 709 patients with chronic pain completed questionnaires assessing demographics, pain-intensity, disability and severity of their SD. A subgroup also completed questionnaires relating to depression and anxiety as well as specific gender-related SD questionnaires.

1.3.Results: 404 patients (58%) reported pain related SD. No differences in demographic parameters were found between those with and without SD. In contrast, patients with SD exhibited significantly higher scores in pain intensity (VAS), Short-form McGill Pain questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index. Patients with SD also consumed significantly higher doses of pain medications. On both numerical and categorical self-report scales of SD severity, women scored slightly but significantly higher than men. A significant correlation was found between pain intensity and SD severity (Pearson's test: r=0.349; p<0.001). The questionnaires completed by a sub-group of patients with SD revealed a mild degree of depression, a moderate anxiety level and a moderate degree of SD in both genders.

1.4.Conclusion: A significant number of patients with chronic pain suffer from moderate to severe SD, which correlates with pain intensity. These findings are congruent with previous reports and highlight the importance of increased awareness to SD in patients with chronic pain.

Keywords

Chronic Pain, Disability, Sexual dysfunction, Daily activity, Pain disability index, Oswestry disability index, Beck anxiety inventory, Anxiety, Meta-analysis, QoL