Table 1 Baseline characteristics of the study patients

Age (years), mean (SD)

55.6 ± 6.8

56.3 ± 7.0

Female (n)

80 (52.6%)

78 (52.0%)

Smoke history (n)

27 (17.8%)

24 (16.0%)

Hypertension (n)

33 (21.7%)

28 (18.7%)

Diabetes (n)

12 (7.9%)

14 (9.3%)

Level of education (n)

Elementary school or less

20 (13.2%)

22 (14.7%)

High school

92 (60.5%)

90 (60.0%)

College or higher

40 (26.3%)

38 (25.3%)

Pain site (n)

Abdomen

92 (60.5%)

93 (62.0%)

Chest

38 (25%)

36 (24.0%)

Limb

12 (7.9%)

14 (9.3%)

Head

10 (6.6%)

7 (4.7%)

Message receiver

Patients

32 (21.1%)

33 (22.0%)

Caregivers

120 (78.9%)

117 (78.0%)