Pain prevalence and severity in an Italian university hospital: a cross-sectional study

Background. Pain is highly prevalent among hospitalised adults, and in Italy Law 38/2010 mandates its assessment and relief. We aimed to estimate pain prevalence and severity among adult inpatients and identify factors associated with moderate-to-severe pain and satisfaction with pain management in a university hospital.
Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in May 2023 at IRCCS Policlinico San Donato using a structured questionnaire in adult inpatients hospitalised for at least 24 hours. Multivariable logistic regression explored factors associated with pain severity and satisfaction.
Results. Among the 229 patients interviewed, 84% reported pain at the time of the interview, with 52.4% experiencing moderate pain and 9.6% severe pain. Pain in the previous 24 hours was associated with moderate-to-severe pain at the time of the interview and lower satisfaction with care. Thirty-two percent were aware of Law 38/2010, and awareness was associated with lower pain severity and higher satisfaction.
Conclusions. Pain remains highly prevalent among adult inpatients. Experiencing pain in the previous 24 hours was associated with greater severity and lower satisfaction, suggesting the importance of timely and consistent pain assessment and relief throughout hospitalisation.