Pain Prevalence, Management and Interference Among University Students in South Korea: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Pain is a global health issue with a significant impact on young adults. Adverse effects caused by inappropriate pain management among university students are related to poor mental/physical health. This study aimed to explore pain prevalence, management, and interference among university students in South Korea. METHODS: Pain intensity, painful body areas, pain management, and pain interference were measured in a convenience sample of 404 students. Descriptive statistics are reported, and a multivariable binomial logistic regression was conducted to reveal factors associated with pain interference. RESULTS: The prevalence of acute and chronic pain was 73.5%, while 7.8% reported chronic pain (≥ 3 months). Half of university students who experienced pain reported at least four painful body areas. The average pain intensity during the past 6 months was 4.8/10. About 56% of university students who experienced pain used over-the-counter pain pills for pain management. Rest and massage were the most used non-pharmacological pain management strategies. Mood was the most reported pain interference complaint amongst university students. Greater pain interference was associated with longer pain duration, more painful body areas, and greater pain intensity. DISCUSSION: Pain is highly prevalent among South Korean university students. Pain management programs, including education about appropriate methods of pain relief, should be developed for university students. Attention should be given to university students with widespread acute and chronic pain of high intensity to mitigate the negative impacts caused by pain interference.