Background.  Women in deprived socioeconomic situations run a high pain risk. Although number of pain sites (NPS) is considered a better parameter in pain assessment, little is known regarding the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and NPS in women.

Methods. Cross-sectional study comprising long-term gynecological cancer survivors (n=160) and women selected at random from the general population (n=493). Socioeconomic conditions were measured by Socioeconomic Condition Index (SCI). NPS was recorded using a body outline diagram indicating where the respondents experienced pain. Co-morbidity was also assessed.

Findings. There were only minor differences in SCI scores between women with 0, 1-2 or 3 NPS, but women with the lowest SCI scores reported more often 4-7 NPS (p<0.001). The result remained significant after adjusting for co-morbidity.  

Discussion. Women with the lowest SCI have the highest NPS. Improving the socioeconomic conditions for unprivileged women may have a greater impact on their health than medical intervention.