Chronic Pain Trajectories in Older Veterans
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Chiyoung, Kim Yeri, Kim Seoyoung, Cohen Beth, Kwoh Kent, Ahn Hyochol, Park Juyoung, Kim Heewon
Primary Institution: University of Arizona
Hypothesis
This study aimed to identify the various longitudinal pain status trajectories among older Veterans over a 10-year period and detect factors predicting membership in the worsening trajectory of chronic pain.
Conclusion
The study identified two stable pain trajectories among older Veterans and highlighted key factors that predict worsening pain.
Supporting Evidence
- Chronic pain affects approximately 100 million Americans, including many Veterans.
- Two distinct pain trajectories were identified: low and high pain.
- Factors predicting high pain trajectory included prior arthritis and PTSD diagnoses.
Takeaway
This study looked at how pain changes over time for older veterans and found that some veterans have more pain than others based on certain health issues.
Methodology
Data was analyzed using a generalized mixture model and feature selection methods to identify pain trajectory classes and predictors.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 58.5 years, consisting of older Veterans.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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