Pain: its prevalence and correlates among the oldest old

Background

There is very limited knowledge regarding pain among the oldest old.

Aims

To investigate the prevalence and correlates of pain among the oldest old.

Methods

Data were taken from the “Survey on quality of life and subjective well-being of the very old in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW80+)”, including individuals living in North Rhine-Westphalia aged 80 years and over. Pain was categorized as no pain, moderate pain and severe pain. Its prevalence was stratified by sex, age groups, marital status, place of residence and education. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted.

Results

28.50% of the participants reported no pain, 45.06% moderate pain and 26.44% severe pain. Regressions showed that being 85 years or older and a better self-rated health status decreased the likelihood of moderate pain. Being 85–89 years old, being male, highly educated and a better self-rated health status decreased the likelihood of severe pain. The likelihood of moderate and severe pain increased with a higher number of chronic diseases.

Discussion

Study findings showed a high prevalence of pain in the oldest old living in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The likelihood of having moderate or severe pain was reduced among those who were older and presented with a better self-rated health but increased with a growing number of comorbidities. Severe pain was less likely among men and those with a higher education.

Conclusion

This cross-sectional representative study adds first evidence of prevalence and correlations of pain among the oldest old. Longitudinal studies are required to further explore the determinants of pain in this age group.