Musculoskeletal Pain Experienced on Most Days is a Common Accompaniment of Ageing amongst Community-Dwelling Older Australians: A Questionnaire-Based Study. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gilmartin-Thomas, Julia F-M.; Ernst, Michael E.; Nelson, Mark R.; Lockery, Jessica; Ward, Stephanie A.; Woods, Robyn L.; Britt, Carlene; Murray, Anne; Workman, Barbara; McNeil, John
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging and health. Volume 33:Number 1/2(2021)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: analgesia -- pain -- geriatric; Older people -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1177/0898264320952914
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-2643

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prevalence, location and impact of moderate to severe pain experienced on most days in community-dwelling older (≥70 years) adults who were ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) clinical trial participants.Methods: Cross-sectional ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) data were collected from self-reported questionnaires administered to 16, 439 ASPREE participants.Results: Of 14, 155 respondents, 41% of males ( n = 2651/6475) and 50% of females ( n = 3803/7680) reported experiencing pain on most days. One quarter of respondents reported experiencing pain on most days that was moderate or severe in intensity ( n = 3560/14, 155), commonly located in the lower back, knees and upper back. Of those reporting moderate or severe pain, 51% reported taking analgesic medication on most days ( n = 1812/3560), almost one-third also reported regular interference with sleep (29%, n = 1024/3560), walking (35%, n = 1239/3560) and daily activities (41%, n = 1467/3560).Discussion: Lower back, knee or upper back pain is a common accompaniment of ageing.