Quality of life in patients diagnosed with chronic pain at a chronic pain clinic at Helen Joseph Hospital, Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions globally. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is emerging internationally as a key outcome to inform management through evidence-based practices.
Aim: This study assessed the impact of chronic pain on patients’ quality of life (QoL) using a modified, generic and validated instrument (RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0).
Setting: Quality of life was assessed among patients diagnosed with chronic pain attending the only specialised public pain clinic in Gauteng, the Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) Chronic Pain Clinic.
Methods: A descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with chronic pain attending routine follow-up consultations at the HJH Chronic Pain Clinic. Quality of life was measured using a self-administered modified RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0.
Results: In total, 181 patients participated; 75.1% were female, and 59.7% were aged ≥ 60 years. Quality of life was assessed across eight RAND-36 domains scored from 0 to 100. Pain severity (0 = very severe pain; 100 = no pain) was the independent variable in regression and correlation analyses. Seven scales scored below 50, indicating poor QoL. Significant associations were found between pain severity and energy, emotional well-being, social functioning, and general health (all p < 0.001). Significant correlations were also observed with role limitations due to emotional problems and physical health.
Conclusion: Chronic pain significantly impairs multiple aspects of QoL. Integrating generic HRQoL measures into clinical practice may aid risk identification and guide targeted therapy.
Contribution: Given the paucity of literature on chronic pain in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa, this research contributes to evidence on chronic pain by evaluating patient-reported outcomes and highlighting their multidimensional impact on QoL.