Relationship between Chronic Low Back Pain and Risk of Fall and Depression among Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a serious health problem affecting more than 50% of community-dwelling older adults worldwide and its prevalence increases with advanced age. It has a significant effect on all aspects of older adults’ life. It affects the physical status of older adults causing activity limitation, loss of independence, and increased risk for fall and depression. Objective: Determine the relationship between chronic low back Pain and risk of fall and depression among community dwelling older adults. Setting: The outpatient clinic of the Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department; at the Main University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sample of 120 older adults with chronic low back pain was recruited. Tools: Four tools were used for data collection: 1) Socio-demographic Characteristics and Clinical Data of the Older Adults with CLBP Structured Interview Schedule, 2) Colored Analogue Pain Assessment Scale, 3) Fall Risk Assessment Scale for Older People, and4) Beck Depression Inventory. Results: A high statistically significant relationship between the severity of CLBP and the degree of fall risk and the severity of depression among the study subjects, as well as a significant association was found between severity of depression and the risk for fall among them. Conclusion: CLBP is significantly associated with increased risk of fall and depression; this risk is positively correlated with the severity of pain. Recommendations: Periodic follow up for older adults with CLBP especially those who are at risk for falls and depression to improve their physical and psycho-social status and prevent pain recurrence.