Sirikamon Inthawi. Prevalence of orofacial pain in general population in Bangkok. Master's Degree(Dentistry ). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2009.
Prevalence of orofacial pain in general population in Bangkok
Abstract:
Orofacial pain (OFP) is one of the most common regional pains that has an
impact on a patients quality of life. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of
orofacial pain and treatment seeking behavior in the general population in Bangkok. A
descriptive, cross-sectional survey of 1,501 randomly selected people living in 10
different districts in Bangkok was carried out. The subjects completed a questionnaire
about orofacial pain symptoms and treatment seeking behavior. There were 867
females (57.8%) and 634 males (42.2%). The average age was 41.74 + 14.87 years
old. Most subjects had an educational level lower than bachelor degree (87.9%). The
average monthly income was less than 8,500 baht (67.8%). Over half (57.2%) of
subjects had reported the experience of OFP in the six months prior to the survey.
These subjects were denominated the OFP group. There were significant differences
between gender and age within the OFP group (p<0.05). The most commonly reported
symptoms were headache (47.6 %), toothache and tooth sensitivity (37.6%), and oral
sores and burning sensation (29.5%). Of the OFP group,12.6% had been absent from
work because of pain. The percentage of treatment seeking behavior in the OFP group
was 71.6%. Most of them used over-the-counter medications to relieve their pain
(45.9%). General medical practitioners (24.7%) and dentists (19.3%) were among the
professionals that they consulted with for treatment. OFP was commonly found in the
general population in Bangkok. The pain affected their quality of life and caused them
to be absent from work. The treatment seeking behavior of the OFP group was higher
than that shown in previous studies. This behavior may be related to educational level
and age.