Socioeconomic Characteristics Associated With the Development of Chronic Pain After Pain Interference Experienced in Early Adulthood

Abstract

Objective: Predictors of pain persistence have been identified among patients undergoing treatment for chronic pain or related conditions, but correlates of pain persistence in the general population remain underexplored. We identify socioeconomic variables associated with pain onset or persistence over a 6 to 10 year period in a nationally representative cohort. Methods: Using panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1997, we examined the presence of pain interference at age 29 and chronic pain at ages 35 to 39. Persistent pain was defined as pain present at both interview time points; new-onset pain was defined as pain not reported at age 29, but present at ages 35 to 39; and transient pain was defined as experiencing pain interference at age 29 with no report of chronic pain at ages 35 to 39. Results: Based on a sample of 6188 participants, we estimated that 4% experienced persistent pain, 11% experienced transient pain, and 7% experienced new-onset pain. Pain persistence was less likely among non-Hispanic Black respondents but more likely among formerly married respondents and those with poor health, health-related work limitation, or greater pain interference at the age 29 baseline. New-onset pain was most likely among female respondents, respondents with some college education, and respondents with poor self-rated health or obesity at baseline. Discussion: Development of chronic pain by the mid-late 30s was common among young adults experiencing pain interference at age 29. Race/ethnicity, gender, and educational attainment exhibited different associations with persistence as compared with new onset of pain problems.