Pain and pain-related interference with function in older Canadians: the Canadian Study of Health and Aging

Abstract

Purpose: The effect that pain has on everyday physical and psychological functioning in the older population is not well understood. The main objective of this study was to describe the extent of pain and pain-related disability in the Canadian population and examine the relationships between demographic and health-related variables and pain-related interference in physical and psychological functioning.

Method: The data was obtained from the follow up study to The Canadian Study of Health and Ageing. Information from 5,703 Canadians 70 years of age and older was analysed in this study.

Results: Fifty-nine point three per cent of the women and 48.4% of the men reported having pain in the 4 weeks prior to the interview. Of those who reported pain, a greater proportion of women compared with men reported that pain at least moderately interfered with physical functioning (moving about, normal tasks, recreational activities, sleep) and psychological functioning (mood, enjoyment of life). The intensity of pain and chronic disease combinations were also shown to be significantly associated with pain-related interference with physical and psychological functioning.

Conclusions: A large proportion of older Canadians reports pain and pain-related disability. Thorough pain assessment and management should be incorporated into the health programmes aimed at maximizing physical and psychological function in the older population.