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

Geriatr Nurs. 2022 May-Jun:45:205-214. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.04.008. Epub 2022 May 7.

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.

Keywords: Chronic pain management; Community dwelling older adults; Comorbidity; Non-pharmacological interventions; Review.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chronic Pain* / therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Humans
  • Independent Living
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Social Determinants of Health