Predictors of older adults' chronic pain in the context of opioid adverse drug events.

BACKGROUND

Factors predictive of chronic pain in older adults could help focus prevention and treatment efforts for those most at risk of chronic pain.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to describe demographic and pain self-management factors predictive of chronic pain in the context of opioid adverse drug events (ADEs) reported for a cohort of older adults within the same year.

METHOD: The design was a post hoc analysis of 9,095 cases aged 65 years and older from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey that reported chronic pain and 380 cases aged 65 years and older with opioid adverse events reported to the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) during the second quarter of 2019. Logistic regression predicted chronic pain.

RESULTS

Less than a baccalaureate education increased the odds of chronic pain by 28.0% while lower income minimally increased the odds. Male gender increased the odds of chronic pain by 12.0%. Increased age minimally increased the odds for chronic pain. Use of opioids, other pain treatments, complementary treatments, and antidepressants were all associated with increased odds of chronic pain. FAERS opioid ADEs ranged from pruritus to death, with death identified in 16 (4.2%) cases. Misuse, abuse, or dependence was documented in 1.8% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Less-educated older adults may be particularly at risk of chronic pain and should be routinely assessed and prescribed safe and efficacious pain self-management as needed. Some men may need additional support to use pain treatments.