Multimorbidity and chronic pain management with opioids and other therapies among adults in the United States: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Multimorbidity, defined as the concurrent presence of ≥ 2 chronic conditions, and chronic pain (i.e., pain lasting ≥3 months) often co-exist. Multimodal pain management that includes non-pharmacologic treatment and non-opioid therapy is recommended to prevent serious risks associated with opioids. Purpose: Estimate the prevalence of types of pain treatment and analyze their associations with multimorbidity using a nationally representative survey in the United States (US). Methods: Data was collected from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey among adults with chronic pain and chronic conditions (N= 12,028). Chronic pain management was grouped into four categories: opioid therapy; non-opioid multimodal pain treatment ; pain treatment with monotherapy; and no pain treatment. Chi-square tests and multivariable multinomial logistic regressions were used to analyze the association of multimorbidity with types of pain treatment after controlling for age, sex, social determinants of health (SDoH), and lifestyle characteristics. Results: Among NHIS respondents, 68% had multimorbidity. In adjusted multinomial logistic regressions with "pain management with monotherapy" as the reference group, those with multimorbidity were more likely to utilize opioids (AOR=1.63, 95% CI=1.23, 2.17). Those with severe pain were also more likely to use opioid therapy (AOR=19.36, 95% CI=13.35, 28.06) than those with little pain. Those with low income and education were less likely to have multimodal pain management without opioids. Conclusion: Seven in 10 adults had multimorbidity. Those with multimorbidity reported severe pain and relied on opioids for pain control. Regardless of multimorbidity status, SDoH was associated with types of chronic pain management.