Impact of chronic pain on the families of U.S. adults

Pain Rep. 2026 Jul 10;11(4):e1463. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000001463. eCollection 2026 Aug.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain (CP) can profoundly strain family systems, yet few population studies have explored prevalence and population dynamics of CP with high impact on families.

OBJECTIVES: Examining prevalence and phenomenological characteristics of chronic pain with high impact on the families of U.S. adults. Situating HICP-family within a tiered cascade of functional impact.

METHODS: Prevalence estimated using 2023 National Health Interview Survey Data (n = 29,522).

RESULTS: Findings are as follows: (1) the population prevalence of CP with high impact on families (high-impact chronic pain [HICP]-Family) is 4.4% among U.S. adults, 18.1% among U.S. adults with CP, and 46.3% among U.S. adults with HICP; (2) HICP-Family is almost exclusively reported by those who have HICP that limits their individual functioning in life and work, yet most of those with HICP do not report concomitant HICP-Family; (3) among U.S. adults reporting both HICP and HICP-Family, the prevalence of clinically significant anxiety/depression symptoms is 46.1%; (4) among all U.S. adults with clinically significant anxiety/depression symptoms, the prevalence of HICP and concomitant HICP-Family is 14.9%.

CONCLUSION: The need to develop effective supports and promote adaptive resilience in families highly affected by CP is clear. Clinical tools to support person-centered assessment of family and relational functioning, development of effective family-level interventions for U.S. adults, and collaborative models of care are needed.

PMID:42444785 | PMC:PMC13362943 | DOI:10.1097/PR9.0000000000001463