Journal of Aging Science

Abstract

A 9-Year Follow-Up of Women and Men Reporting Pain: Results from The Swedish National Study Of Aging And Care - Blekinge

Lena Sandin Wranker, Mikael Rennemark, Johan Sanmartin Berglund and Sölve Elmståhl

Background and aim: Pain is common in older adults, but its relationship with ageing is unclear. The aim was to investigate pain among adults aged 72 years and older by means of a population-based sample followed for a period of nine years.

Methods: The Swedish National study on Aging and Care (SNAC) is conducted at four research centres. At SNAC-Blekinge (B), 609 (60.6%) women and 396 (39.4%) men were recruited and included from the baseline sample (n=1,005). Re-examination was carried out on 328 participants, 204 (62.2%) women and 124 (37.8%) men. Pearson Chi-Square and T-test were used to compare groups. Locus of Control (LOC) was measured using a short version of the original health LOC scale. Relief from pain was analysed by logistic regression.

Results: At the follow-up investigation, 69/204 (33.8%) women reported pain. Of the women who reported pain at baseline, 82/136 (60.3%) stated that they were pain free. Fewer women reported pain with increasing age, Pearson Chi-Square 7.980, p<0.02.

At the follow-up investigation, 27/124 (21.8%) men reported pain. Of the men reporting pain at baseline, 44/58 (75.9%) stated that they were pain free. Low external locus of control (eLOC) were associated with relief from pain (OR 2.18, CI 1.13-4.22), p<0.02. Mean age differences between the groups pain/no pain was found, p<0.001.

Conclusions: The number of women reporting pain decreased with increasing age. Pain may contribute to premature death. Relief from pain was higher for men compared to women, and low eLOC may be a contributing factor.