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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Ageism, negative attitudes, and competing co-morbidities – why older adults may not seek care for restricting back pain: a qualitative study

Authors: Una E Makris, Robin T Higashi, Emily G Marks, Liana Fraenkel, Joanna E M Sale, Thomas M Gill, M Carrington Reid

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Back pain, the most common type of pain reported by older adults, is often undertreated for reasons that are poorly understood, especially in minority populations. The objective of this study was to understand older adults’ beliefs and perspectives regarding care-seeking for restricting back pain (back pain that restricts activity).

Methods

We used data from a diverse sample of 93 older adults (median age 83) who reported restricting back pain during the past 3 months. A semi-structured discussion guide was used in 23 individual interviews and 16 focus groups to prompt participants to share experiences, beliefs, and attitudes about managing restricting back pain. Transcripts were analyzed in an iterative process to develop thematic categories.

Results

Three themes for why older adults may not seek care for restricting back pain were identified: (1) beliefs about the age-related inevitability of restricting back pain, (2) negative attitudes toward medication and/or surgery, and (3) perceived importance of restricting back pain relative to other comorbidities. No new themes emerged in the more diverse focus groups.

Conclusions

Illness perceptions (including pain-related beliefs), and interactions with providers may influence older adults’ willingness to seek care for restricting back pain. These results highlight opportunities to improve the care for older adults with restricting back pain.
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Metadata
Title
Ageism, negative attitudes, and competing co-morbidities – why older adults may not seek care for restricting back pain: a qualitative study
Authors
Una E Makris
Robin T Higashi
Emily G Marks
Liana Fraenkel
Joanna E M Sale
Thomas M Gill
M Carrington Reid
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-015-0042-z

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