Prevalence and Impact of Neuropathic Pain on Quality of Life in Chronic Pain Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Chhamita Sultana Chhanda; Md Mostafa Kamal; Kazi Mahzabin Arin; Salma Azad Tanni; Nasreen Boby; Afroza Akter; A K M Akhteruzzaman

Authors

Chhamita Sultana Chhanda Assistant Professor (OSD, DGHS) and Advanced Clinical Fellow, Pain Medicine, Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka
Md Mostafa Kamal Assistant Professor (OSD, DGHS) and Advanced Clinical Fellow, Pain Medicine, Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka
Kazi Mahzabin Arin Assistant Professor and Advanced Clinical Fellow, Pain Medicine, Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka
Salma Azad Tanni Classified Anaesthesiologist (CMH) and Advanced Clinical Fellow, Pain Medicine, Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine; Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka
Nasreen Boby Anaesthesiologist, Department of Anaesthesia, Pain, Palliative & Intensive Care, DMCH, Dhaka
Afroza Akter Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesia, Pain, Palliative & Intensive Care, DMCH, Dhaka
A K M Akhteruzzaman Professor and Head, Division of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine; Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka

Keywords:

Neuropathic pain, Chronic pain, Prevalence, Quality of Life, DN4, SF-36

Abstract

Background: Neuropathic pain (NeP) represents a significant global healthcare burden, frequently leading to profound morbidity and functional incapacity. Unlike nociceptive pain, NeP arises from a primary lesion or dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of NeP among chronic pain patients in a tertiary care setting in Bangladesh and investigate its specific impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pain Outpatient Department (OPD), Kosaka Pain Clinic, and Pain Skill Lab of the Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Dhaka, over a one-year period. A total of 220 adult patients with chronic pain (duration >3 months) were evaluated. NeP was screened using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire (threshold ≥4). Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and HRQoL was evaluated across nine domains using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 44.36±13.28 years, with a distinct female predominance (65.9%). According to the DN4 questionnaire, the prevalence of NeP was 49.1% (n = 108). The most prevalent sensory descriptors were burning sensations (85.9%), tingling (76.4%), and numbness (70.0%). On the NRS, 75.5% reported moderate pain, and 24.5% experienced severe pain. Increasing age group was significantly associated with both higher pain severity (p = 0.009) and positive NeP status (p = 0.001), with individuals over 50 bearing the highest burden (73.13% positive). HRQoL was profoundly lower in the neuropathic group compared to the non-neuropathic group across multiple domains (p < 0.05), most notably in Physical Functioning (39.41±17.67 vs. 49.51±14.11, p < 0.0001), Vitality (31.32±13.39 vs. 44.34± 13.43, p < 0.0001), and Mental Health (35.55±12.19 vs. 43.56±14.27, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Neuropathic pain is highly prevalent among chronic pain sufferers in Bangladesh, particularly among older individuals. It induces a devastating decline in physical mobility, mental health, and vital energy, necessitating mandatory clinical screening with tools like the DN4 and early multidisciplinary interventions.

Bangladesh J. Pain 2026: Vol. 6, No. 1, Page: 29-34

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62848/bjpain.v6i1.3079

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