Neighborhood Disadvantage and Pain in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Yang Yulin, Kotwal Ashwin, Hunt Lauren, Gomez Scarlett, Torres Jacqueline
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
How do neighborhood factors influence pain outcomes and medication use among older adults with or without cognitive impairment?
Conclusion
Neighborhood factors significantly affect pain outcomes and medication use among older adults, particularly those without cognitive impairment.
Supporting Evidence
- Neighborhood affluence is associated with lower odds of pain and pain-related disability.
- Neighborhood disadvantage is linked to greater pain-related disability among cognitively normal respondents.
- Among cognitively impaired respondents, neighborhood factors did not significantly affect pain outcomes.
Takeaway
Where older people live can change how much pain they feel and what medicine they take, especially if they don't have memory problems.
Methodology
Data from the Health and Retirement Study was analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models.
Limitations
The study may not fully account for all neighborhood factors affecting pain outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Older adults, with a subset having cognitive impairment.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval crossed the null.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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