OLDER ADULTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

To determine the association of functional disability and quality of life (QOL) among older adults with chronic low back pain. Methods: Participants were adults aged 60 years or older diagnosed with chronic low back pain in out-patient departments. Subjects were asked to assess their pain level, functional disability and quality of life. A multiple logistic regression was carried out to identify the independent variables associated with QOL. Results: A total of 406 participants were recruited with an average age of 68.9 year (SD 7.2), the majority of whom were female (70.9%). Most participants reported having a poor QOL (83.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed that being female (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.03 - 3.30), at an age of 70 years and older (aOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.16 - 4.08), in severe pain (aOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.17 - 4.10), and had problems with social contacts (aOR 3.35, 95% CI 1.88 - 5.96) were more likely to report a poor level of QOL. Conclusions: Lower quality of life is reported in chronic low back pain patients. Social life related factors need to be further investigated to improve QOL among older people.