Determination of pain characteristics, paın belief and risk of depression among elderly residents living at nursing home

Bahire ULUS. Arzu IRBAN, Nadi BAKIRCI, Ela YILMAZ, Yasemin USLU, Nurullah YÜCEL, Fatma ETİ ASLAN



ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine pain frequency, pain characteristics, pain
beliefs and depression status of elderly people living in nursing homes.

Materials and Method: This descriptive study was carried out in nursing homes affiliated
with Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Elderly people who were residents in these nursing homes were included in the study. Data were collected with the Descriptive Data Form, Pain Evaluation Form, Geriatric Depression Scale and Pain Beliefs Questionnaire.

Results: One hundred forty-six people were included in the study. 76% of the elderly people
complained about pain, especially leg pain. This was severe chronic pain of a high intensity (Numerical Rating Scale 5-7). This chronic pain adversely affected their daily activities. The risk of depression even higher in older patients with neurological disease. Half of the elderly residents (51%) stated that it was easier to cope with the pain when they were happy, and also that pain was an indicator of having something wrong with their body.

Conclusion: In the light of this study, we can say that pain is a frequently seen symptom in
elderly residents living in nursing homes. The psychological status of the residents has a great impact on the management of their pain. Therefore people’s psychological status and their beliefs related to pain should also be assessed.

Key Words: Aged; Pain, Depression.