Quality of life and associated determinants of chronic pain among patients attending a primary healthcare clinic in Gqeberha: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is a major global health challenge that impairs quality of life through physical disability, psychological distress, and socioeconomic burden. Despite its prevalence, limited research examines its multidimensional impact in South African primary healthcare. This study evaluated the quality of life and factors influencing chronic pain in patients attending a primary healthcare clinic in Gqeberha, South Africa.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 208 adults with chronic pain attending Walmer 14th Avenue Clinic. Data were collected using the Brief Pain Inventory, capturing demographics, pain severity, interference, relief, and management. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression were performed using SPSS v29.
Results: Participants had a mean age of 50.2 years; most were female (71.6%). Back pain was most common (43.8%), while pelvic/groin pain was most severe. Pain relief was inadequate in 74% of participants, with 15.9% reporting none. Sleep was the most affected quality-of-life domain (72% interference). Predictors of higher pain interference included pain severity (p < 0.001), pain relief (p = 0.003), marital status (p = 0.004), and employment status (p = 0.005). Disease-specific treatments and adjuvant therapies provided better relief than paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or opioids.
Conclusion: Severe pain and inadequate relief are prevalent in primary healthcare. Improving access to adjuvant and disease-specific therapies, as well as addressing socioeconomic factors, is thus essential for enhanced patient outcomes.
Contribution: This study highlights the interplay between chronic pain, sociodemographic factors, and quality of life in South African primary care and underscores the need for tailored, multimodal, resource-sensitive pain management strategies to inform policy.