Understanding the experience of persons living with chronic abdomino-pelvic pain: A cross-sectional nationwide survey

Abstract

Background:

Few studies describe the healthcare expectations and experiences of persons living with chronic pelvic pain (CPP), despite its prevalence.

Objectives:

To describe pain symptoms, impact, interference with quality of life, treatment goals, treatments tried, and satisfaction with treatments and healthcare professionals among persons with CPP and determine whether these characteristics vary by pain duration (<6 months vs. ⩾6 months).

Design:

Cross-sectional population survey.

Methods/Participants/Setting:

Survey distributed to US persons ⩾18 years old.

Results:

Of 1,118 completed respondents, 69.8% (n = 780) reported abdominal/pelvic pain and a pain level ⩾2 on a 0–10 scale. Of those, 122 respondents had pelvic pain lasting <6 months, while 658 had pain ⩾6 months (categorized as having CPP.) Compared to those with pain <6 months, persons with CPP were more likely to have severe pain that interfered with relationships (p = 0.001), sleep (p = 0.042), enjoyment of life (p = 0.004), mood (p = 0.019), and normal daily activity (p=0.035). They were more likely to have pain that impacted sexual function (p = 0.001) and ability to raise a family (p = 0.035) and were more likely to report receiving conflicting information from healthcare professionals (HCPs) (p = 0.001). In both groups, few were satisfied (very—somewhat satisfied categories combined) with care (34.9% vs. 38.6%, p = 0.332) and treatment (33.9% vs. 27.1%, p = 0.355).

Limitations:

Survey with close-ended questions.

Conclusion:

Individuals with abdomino-pelvic pain, particularly those with chronic pain, experience significant pain and disability, but many report receiving inadequate treatment or unsatisfactory care. This suggests there is still a need for improved healthcare services that address the unique needs of this population.