Publication: Chronic musculoskeletal pain in European older adults: Crossnational and gender differences
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2018-02
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Abstract
Background: In an ageing Europe, chronic pain is a major public
health problem, but robust epidemiological data are scarce. This study
aimed to analyse the prevalence of and factors associated with chronic
musculoskeletal pain by gender in older adults of 14 European
countries.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from wave 5 of the
Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The study
included people ≥50 years residing in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the
Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Chronic pain
was defined as being bothered by joint and/or back pain for the
previous 6 months. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust
variance were performed to analyse prevalence ratio by covariates,
stratified by sex.
Results: A total of 61,157 participants were included. Overall
prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain was 35.7% (28.8–31.7),
ranging from 18.6% (17.1–20.1) for Switzerland to 45.6% (43.3–47.8)
for France. Prevalence was higher in women than in men: 41.3% (40.2–
42.4) versus 29.1% (28.0–30.3). Chronic musculoskeletal pain was
lower in men aged >75 years (PR = 0.82; 0.72–0.92) than the younger
(50–59) group. Separated/divorced status presented opposite effects
among men (PR = 0.85; 0.76–0.96) and women (PR = 1.12; 1.03–1.21)
compared with married, and unemployment was a significant factor in
men (PR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.02–1.43) compared with employed.
Conclusions: Musculoskeletal pain in older European adults is very
frequent, especially in women, with large differences depending on the
country of residence. Health policy makers should prioritize strategies
aimed at improving the prevention and management of chronic
musculoskeletal pain in Europe.
Significance: This study provides epidemiological data of chronic
musculoskeletal pain in older adults. Reported differences contribute to
highlight the relevance of considering a gender perspective in chronic
musculoskeletal pain research. Cross-national comparison also offers a
map of differences that improves the knowledge of this chronic
condition in Europe.
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Keywords
Chronic Pain, Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Gender
Bibliographic citation
Cimas, M., Ayala, A., Sanz, B., Agulló-Tomás, M.S., Escobar, A., Forjaz, M.J. (2018). Chronic musculoskeletal pain in European older adults: Cross‐national and gender differences. European Journal of Pain 22(2), pp. 333-345.