Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

Pattern of Pain and its Interference on Activities of Daily Life among Older Adults in Bharatpur Municipality, Chitwan, Nepal

Shankar Nand Subedi

Background: Pain is a most common condition in the older population, and the presence of pain in later life may have detrimental and deteriorative effect on their daily activities. The present study is conducted to assess the pattern of pain among the older adults and its interference on their daily activities.

Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 150 community dwelling older people aged 60 years and above were included from Bharatpur municipality of Chitwan district. Data include sociodemographic characteristics, pain pattern, its severity and impact. The pain intensity and degree to which pain interfered with daily activities of older people in the preceding one week was measured by using Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) on 0-10 numeric rating scale.

Results: The prevalence of physical pain among the older adults was found 40.7% with median age of 66 years (IQR: 62-72 years) and presence of pain was mainly associated with their predominant diseases or injuries. Burning type of pain was mostly apparent in this group and majorities were complaining pain in their legs having joint problem. In the preceding one week, the mean intensity of pain at its worst time was found severe (6.67 ± 1.85). There was a highest interference of pain on sleep (r=0.621, p<0.001) of elderly population. Also, significant but moderate positive impact of pain at its worst was on enjoyment of life (r=0.463, p<0.001) and mood (r=0.377, p=0.003) of the elderly people.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate the need for better programmatic efforts including psychological consultation and multidimensional pain assessment in this population.