Social Determinants and Comorbidities in Non-pharmacological Interventions for Chronic Pain in Community- Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain frequently exists with other comorbid conditions in older adults, yet little is known about the effectiveness of non-pharmacologic interventions. A scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of the nature of the published evidence on the nonpharmacological interventions for chronic pain in communitydwelling older adults with comorbid conditions. METHODS: A literature search of relevant databases was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they were intervention studies, used a randomized controlled trial design, and met criteria of the critical appraisal. RESULTS: Eleven studies were identified as high quality. Most studies did not quantify a comorbidity index and/or burden, nor reported the specific comorbid conditions of participants with chronic pain. In addition, none of the identified studies measured change in participant comorbidity and/or burden. CONCLUSION: Future research should address the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on pain, comorbidities, and other health outcomes.