Evaluation of chronic pain in the institutionalized elderly

Abstract

This study objective was to evaluate the pain in institutionalized elderly as well as characterize this group according to socio-demographic and clinical variables. It is a descriptive study with 124 elderly people living in long-term care facilities (LTCF) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were obtained via interview and clinical assessment. Descriptive statistics with univariate data were used. There was predominance of women with systemic arterial hypertension, single and with children. The mean age was 76.2 years, and the median BMI was 23.1 kg / m². Chronic pain, the medication treatment and the lack of physical activity were reported. Key fators for improvement and worsening of health were the physical rest and physical activity, respectively. Results indicated that chronic pain and lack of regular physical activity are experienced by most of the institutionalized elderly. New measures for monitoring, preventing and controlling the pain should be implemented in these institutions.