Dolor crónico y desigualdades socioeconómicas en España. Impacto en la calidad de vida y el sistema sanitario
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND // Chronic pain is a condition that negatively impacts quality of life, especially in vulnerable populations. However, in Spain there is no unified national strategy for its management. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between chronic pain and quality of life in the population residing in Spain, considering the influence of socioeconomic factors and their impact on the healthcare system. METHODS // A secondary analysis was performed on the 2020 European Health Survey in Spain (EESE2020), with a representative sample of 22,072 people aged fifteen or older. Health, demographic, and sociodemographic variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and association tests (chi-square and Spearman’s coefficient) using SPSS software.RESULTS // 60.9% of the population with chronic pain perceived their health status as fair, poor, or very poor. A higher prevalence was observed in women and older adults. In addition, chronic pain was more frequent in lower social classes and unskilled workers, associated with greater use of healthcare resources and medication consumption.CONCLUSIONS // Chronic pain is associated with a poorer quality of life and shows a marked socioeconomic and gender gradient in Spain. The results highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses pain from a biopsychosocial approach, aimed at reducing inequalities and optimizing its management in vulnerable populations
Language: Spanish
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7171752096