Epidemiology of non-oncological high-impact chronic pain in Ecuadorian adults in 2022

There are limited data on non-oncological high-impact chronic pain (HICP) in Ecuador; we report the epidemiological characteristics of HICP. In this cross-sectional study, we included a random sample of adult individuals who had cell phones. The weighted prevalence of HICP was 9.0%: 12.3% for women and 5.6% for men (p = 0.001). HICP was more frequently localized in the lower back and affected the economically active population. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were more commonly used; however, 61% of patients indicated that the effectiveness of their management was low. Overall, HICP had a negative impact on daily life activities. The effectiveness of the current treatment was low and should include an integrated approach. We report the frequency, characteristics and associated factors of non-cancer high-impact chronic pain (HICP) in Ecuador. HICP refers to pain that has been felt constantly in the last 3 months. Women were more often affected, and the pain was more commonly localized in the lower back. Most patients indicated that their pain treatment was poor. HICP was common and had a negative impact on daily life activities. The current treatment of HICP must consider the physical and mental aspects of the people who suffer from it; this requires a combination of treatments such as drugs, exercise, physical rehabilitation and mind–body interventions. The first study of high-impact chronic pain (HICP) in Ecuador. HICP is more frequent in women, who are more severely affected. Current treatment of HICP has low efficacy and should be more holistic. Local health providers should be trained in the management of HICP.