Meta-analysis of the global prevalence of oral and facial pain
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pain is one of the most fundamental yet complex human biological experiences. A distinct category within this domain is orofacial pain. The orofacial region is anatomically complex, comprising a dense network of muscles, nerves and blood vessels. This complexity often makes the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting this area particularly challenging for clinicians.
OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to determine the global prevalence of oral and facial pain in the general population and to assess its distribution across different continents.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in the MEDLINE and Scopus databases. This analysis synthesized data from 155 observational studies published between 2004 and 2024, encompassing 1,712,161 participants and 163,154 reported cases. Statistical analyses were performed using the R statistical language.
RESULTS: The pooled global prevalence of concurrent oral and facial pain was 19.19%. By continent, the prevalence rates were as follows: Africa - 27.44%; Asia - 30.78%; Australia - 15.58%; Europe - 12.27%; North America - 14.53%; and South America - 25.61%.
CONCLUSIONS: Globally, the prevalence of concurrent oral and facial pain is 19%, compared with 12% for facial pain alone, and 21% for oral pain. Concurrent oral and facial pain was most common among individuals under 18 years of age (24%), decreasing to 16% among those aged 18-60 years and 10% in those aged >60 years. Females reported…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,712,161 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Understanding the factors influencing fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) damage in African smallholder maize fields and quantifying its impact on yield. A case study in Eastern Zimbabwe
- Alarming situation of emerging H5 and H7 avian influenza and effective control strategies
- Livestock and food security: vulnerability to population growth and climate change
- Atmosphere–ocean oxygen and productivity dynamics during early animal radiations
- Characterization of the global distribution and diversified plasmid reservoirs of the colistin resistance gene mcr-9
- The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.