Minor Ailments in Older Adults: A Study of Prevalence and Health-Related Behaviors.

BACKGROUND

With chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension garnering much needed attention in health care, minor ailments can go somewhat unnoticed.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify prevalence, symptom burden, and health-related behaviors relative to 31 minor ailments in older adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 1 Canadian province. Participants were asked about symptoms experienced over a 2-week period, the disruption to daily activities they incurred, and treatment actions undertaken.

RESULTS

Three-hundred and fifty-six adults with an average age of 72.8 years completed a questionnaire. Participants reported an average of 6.2 ailments over the time period. Back pain (46.9%), joint pain (44.4%), and insomnia (38.5%) were most common. The vast majority had been an issue for longer than 2 weeks. OTC medicines were the most common treatment choice in 16 situations, while doing nothing/watchful waiting was the main recourse in 13. OTC medication was common for headache (63.2%) and heartburn (61.2%), while doing nothing/watchful waiting was common for tinnitus (80.5%) and loneliness (74.2%). Satisfaction and confidence in self-management were highest for acute conditions like headache and cold sores.

CONCLUSION

Minor ailments are common and diverse in older adults, with many chronic in nature, and a tendency for proactive self-care.