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

BACKGROUND Little is known about the prevalence of chronic pain among Veterans outside the United States. OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of chronic pain and associated sociodemographic, health behaviour, employment⁄income, disability, and physical and mental health factors in Canadian Veterans. METHODS 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. RESULTS 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. CONCLUSIONS 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.