Survey of Pain in the United States: The Nuprin Pain Report

In August and September 1985, a nationwide telephone survey was made of 1,254 persons aged 18 and older, representing a cross-section of the adult population in the continental United States. This survey provided quantitative data on the prevalence and severity of different kinds of pain, the demographic characteristics of those with pain, the impact of pain on work and other activities, the relationship between pain and measures of stress and health locus of control, the use of medical and other professionals in pain treatment, and the effectiveness of various treatments for pain relief. This is the first nationwide survey of an unselected sample of the U.S. census and provides extensive data documenting the need for additional research on pain and its control and for improved education of the public and health professions.