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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Joint Pain | Research

Socioeconomic variation in the prevalence of pain by anatomical sites among middle-aged and older adults in India: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Amit Kumar Goyal, Sanjay K. Mohanty

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Pain is a significant global public health concern, particularly among individuals aged 45 and above. Its impact on the overall lifestyle of the individuals varies depending on the affected anatomical parts. Despite its widespread impact, there is limited awareness of the attributes of pain, making effective pain management challenging, particularly in India. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and variation in pain in different anatomical sites among middle-aged and older adults in India.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was employed, utilising data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017–2018. The age-sex adjusted prevalence of pain by anatomical sites (the back, joints, and ankles) was estimated using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

47% of individuals aged 45 years and above reported joint pain, 31% reported back pain and 20% suffered from ankle or foot pain. The prevalence of pain at all the anatomical sites increased with age and was reported higher among females. Relative to respondents aged 45–59 years, those aged 75 years and older exhibited a 41% higher likelihood of experiencing back pain (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.19–1.67), a 67% higher likelihood of joint pain (AOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.49–1.89), and a 32% higher likelihood of ankle/foot pain (AOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.16–1.50). In comparison to males, females had a 56% higher likelihood of encountering back pain (AOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.40–1.74), a 38% higher likelihood of joint pain (AOR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.27–1.50), and a 35% higher likelihood of ankle/foot pain (AOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17–1.57). We also found significant regional variations in pain prevalence, with higher rates in the mountainous regions of India.

Conclusion

This research highlights the high burden of pain in major anatomical sites among middle-aged and older adults in India and emphasises the need for increased awareness and effective pain management strategies.
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Metadata
Title
Socioeconomic variation in the prevalence of pain by anatomical sites among middle-aged and older adults in India: a cross-sectional study
Authors
Amit Kumar Goyal
Sanjay K. Mohanty
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-04780-1

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