Pain in Canadian Veterans: analysis of data from the Survey on Transition to Civilian Life

• Published in: Pain research & management Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 89 - 95
• Main Authors: VanDenKerkhof, Elizabeth G, VanTil, Linda, Thompson, James M, Sweet, Jill, Hopman, Wilma M, Carley, Meg E, Sudom, Kerry
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Pulsus Group Inc 01-03-2015; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Canada - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Original; Pain - diagnosis; Pain - epidemiology; Pain - psychology; Statistics as Topic - methods; Surveys and Questionnaires; Veterans - psychology; Young Adult; Canada
• ISSN: 1203-6765; 1918-1523
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/763768

Little is known about the prevalence of chronic pain among Veterans outside the United States.
To describe the prevalence of chronic pain and associated sociodemographic, health behaviour, employment⁄income, disability, and physical and mental health factors in Canadian Veterans.
The 2010 Survey on Transition to Civilian Life included a nationally representative sample of 3154 Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force Veterans released from service between 1998 and 2007. Data from a telephone survey of Veterans were linked with Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada administrative databases. Pain was defined as constant⁄reoccurring pain (chronic pain) and as moderate/severe pain interference with activities.
Forty-one percent of the population experienced constant chronic pain and 23% experienced intermittent chronic pain. Twenty-five percent reported pain interference. Needing help with tasks of daily living, back problems, arthritis, gastrointestinal conditions and age ≥ 30 years were independently associated with chronic pain. Needing help with tasks of daily living, back problems, arthritis, mental health conditions, age ≥ 30 years, gastrointestinal conditions, low social support and noncommissioned member rank were associated with pain interference.
These findings provide evidence for agencies and those supporting the well-being of Veterans, and inform longitudinal studies to better understand the determinants and life course effects of chronic pain in military Veterans.