[Older care receivers with chronic pain : Cross-sectional study of gender-specific pain intensity and home-care provision in the city environment]. / Ältere Pflegebedürftige mit chronischen Schmerzen : Querschnittsstudie zur geschlechtsspezifischen Schmerzintensität und Versorgung in der großstädtischen Häuslichkeit.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pain prevalence rates of up to 53% are found among older home-care recipients (aged ≥ 60 years). Of people affected by pain in Germany, care recipients comprise a relevant group with prevalence rates of around 70%. The available information on gender-specific pain experience shows a range of differing findings. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine pain parameters of older care receivers in the big city environment who are capable of self-reporting, taking into account gender differences and relevant aspects of medical care and medication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study (structured interviews) was carried out among older (≥65 years) home-care recipients (German Social Security Code SGB XI) in Berlin, with chronic pain (n = 225), capable of self-reporting (MMST ≥ 18). Pain parameters were determined using the German version of the brief pain inventory (BPI-NHR). Multiple regression analysis was applied to test and explain how the severest pain was influenced by sociodemographic and medical parameters, mental and physical restrictions, and analgesic provision. RESULTS: Analyses showed an average pain intensity of 5.3 (SD ± 2.0). The severest pain averaged 7.0 (SD ± 2.2). Few indications of significant gender-based differences were found (e.g. pain location, number of medications). The final model identified the number of pain locations (≥14), everyday abilities, and pain medication (as needed, none) as being associated with the severest pain. Treatment achieved pain relief of over 70% in only 24.6% of cases among pain-affected care receivers. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a significant level of pain experienced by older home-care recipients. Interdisciplinary care concepts are urgently needed.