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An Epidemiologic Analysis of Pain in the Elderly

The Iowa 65+ Rural Health Study

University of Iowa

Keela A. Herr, PhD, RN, CS

University of Iowa

M. Kathleen Clark, PhD, RN

University of Iowa

Robert B. Wallace, MD

University of Iowa

Despite acknowledgment that pain is likely to be a major problem for many older adults, it is difficult to accurately estimate the frequency of pain problems for this population because of the lack of systematic epidemiological investigation. This article reports a study of the prevalence and nature of pain in a population of 3,097 rural persons 65 years and older (the Iowa 65+ Rural Health Study). Of the subjects, 86% reported pain of some type in the year prior to the interview, and 59% reported multiple pain complaints. Joint pain was the most prevalent site of pain reported, followed by night leg pain, back pain, and leg pain while walking. As reported severity of pain increased, there was a corresponding increase in impact on daily activities.

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