The effects and characteristics of musculoskeletal pain on quality of life in geriatric patients

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to is to compare the pain levels, quality of life, and depression levels of geriatric patients and non-geriatric patients due to musculoskeletal pain. Materials and Methods: 300 GP and 250 NGP were included in this cross-sectional study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients aged between 18-90 years, those suffering from musculoskeletal pain, and those with a pain severity between 2 and 8 points agreed to participate in the study. Visual pain scale (VPS) was used for the assessment of pain severity. The quality of life was assessed by Short form-36 (SF-36). The Beck depression scale (BDS) was used to assess depression status. Results: In the GP group, the prevalence of additional comorbidities, frequency of drug use, and the number of painful sites in the musculoskeletal system were more frequent from those of the NGP group (p<0.05 for all). Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome were significantly more frequent in the NGP group (p<0.05 for both). There were statistically significant differences in the physical role, pain, social, energy, and mental status subgroup scores of the VPS, SF-36, and BDS in the GP group compared to the NGP group (p<0.05 for all). Conclusion: This cross-sectional study suggests that musculoskeletal problems are becoming increasingly considerable that can significantly impact the quality of life in the geriatric population at the end of life. Obtained results highlight the high prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms that were assimilated into a patient’s daily life.