Social Determinants and Comorbidities in Non-pharmacological Interventions for Chronic Pain in Community- Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

BackgroundChronic pain frequently exists with other comorbid conditions in older adults, yet little is known about the effectiveness of non-pharmacologic interventions. A scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of the nature of the published evidence on the nonpharmacological interventions for chronic pain in communitydwelling older adults with comorbid conditions. MethodsA literature search of relevant databases was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they were intervention studies, used a randomized controlled trial design, and met criteria of the critical appraisal. ResultsEleven studies were identified as high quality. Most studies did not quantify a comorbidity index and/or burden, nor reported the specific comorbid conditions of participants with chronic pain. In addition, none of the identified studies measured change in participant comorbidity and/or burden. ConclusionFuture research should address the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on pain, comorbidities, and other health outcomes.