Evaluation of the Quality of Life, and Prevalence of Chronic Orofacial Pain, in Patients with Diabetes in Kermanshah, Iran, in 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND This study intended to evaluate the prevalence of chronic orofacial pain in diabetic patients and its characteristics. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 1300 patients referred to the Diabetes Centre of Taleghani Hospital in Kermanshah in 2019 were studied. The data collection tool was a questionnaire including demographic sections, medical history, and clinical findings. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 18, and the significance level was considered 0.05. RESULTS The prevalence of chronic orofacial pain in diabetics was 11.8 %. Headaches with a prevalence of 6.7 % were the most common chronic pain, followed by neuropathic pain with 2.54 % and TMJ pain with 2.38 %. The results showed that with an increase in FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) and HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c) variables, the prevalence of chronic orofacial pain also increased (P < 0.001). People under 40 and over 60 years were more likely to have TMJ pain (P < 0.001). Also, the duration of pain showed a statistically significant relationship with age and FBS. In patients under 50 years of age, the highest frequency was related to pain persistence less than 30 minutes, and in older ages, the prevalence of pain lasting more than 3 hours was higher (P < 0.02). Also, with an increase in FBS, the duration of pain increased (P < 0.05). The relationship between perceived pain intensity and type of diabetes was significant (P < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant and inverse relationship between pain intensity and age (P < 0.001, ρ = - 0.473). CONCLUSIONS Migraine headaches, chronic neuropathic pain, and TMJ complication have high prevalence in diabetic patients, and management of these pain should be put under consideration by clinicians. KEY WORDS Diabetes, Chronic Orofacial Pain, Prevalence