THE UNDEREXPLORED BURDEN OF CHRONIC POSTSURGICAL PAIN IN NIGERIA tommyjane003@gmail.com

 

THE UNDEREXPLORED BURDEN OF CHRONIC POSTSURGICAL PAIN IN NIGERIA

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Nigeria

Poster Exhibition only

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) affects 10–50% of surgical patients globally. In Nigeria, rising surgical volumes contrast with limited postoperative pain management infrastructure, exacerbating CPSP’s impact. This review examines the prevalence, risk factors, management challenges, and public health implications of CPSP in Nigeria, where it remains understudied.

A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to June 2025, using keywords such as “chronic postsurgical pain,” “Nigeria,” and “pain management.” Grey literature from WHO and Nigerian health authorities was included. Studies focusing on CPSP, persistent postoperative pain, or pain management in Nigeria or sub-Saharan Africa, published in English, were eligible. Data were extracted and synthesized thematically to identify epidemiology, risk factors, health system barriers, and policy gaps.

No Nigeria-specific CPSP studies were identified, highlighting a critical research gap. Global prevalence ranges from 10–50%, with risk factors including preoperative pain, female sex, psychological distress, and high-risk surgeries. In Nigeria, inadequate analgesia, cultural pain normalization, workforce shortages (1.8 surgeons per 100,000), and restrictive opioid policies exacerbate CPSP’s burden, leading to disability, reduced quality of life, and economic strain. Systemic barriers include underfunded research (<1% GDP) and absent pain surveillance.

CPSP is a significant yet neglected public health issue in Nigeria, worsened by systemic and cultural barriers. Recommendations include integrating pain management into national health policies, expanding access to affordable analgesia, enhancing workforce training, and establishing pain surveillance systems. Addressing CPSP is essential to improve surgical outcomes and reduce health inequities in Nigeria.