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Liu Z, Fan J, Bu H, Fu L, Li C, Ma L, Kong C, Lu Z, Li X, Wang J, Liu Q, Yuan J, Fan X. Causal associations between frailty and low back pain: a bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study. Aging Clin Exp Res 2024; 36:191. [PMID: 39259375 PMCID: PMC11390933 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-024-02843-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous observational studies have revealed a potentially robust bidirectional relationship between frailty and low back pain (LBP). However, the precise causal relationship remains unclear. METHODS To examine the potential causal association between frailty and LBP, we conducted bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis (MR) study. Genetic data on frailty index (FI) and LBP were acquired from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Various MR methodologies were utilized, such as inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger, to evaluate causality. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the findings. RESULTS Genetically predicted higher FI (IVW, odds ratio [OR] = 1.66, 95% CI 1.17-2.36, p = 4.92E-03) was associated with a higher risk of LBP. As for the reverse direction, genetic liability to LBP showed consistent associations with a higher FI (IVW, OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.07-1.19, p = 2.67E-05). The outcomes from various MR techniques and sensitivity analyses indicate the robustness of our findings. CONCLUSION Our research findings provide additional evidence bolstering the bidirectional causal relationship between frailty and LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuying Liu
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiaming Fan
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Huilian Bu
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Lijun Fu
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Cong Li
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Letian Ma
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Cunlong Kong
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhongyuan Lu
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Qingying Liu
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China.
| | - Jingjing Yuan
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China.
| | - Xiaochong Fan
- Department of Pain Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China.
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China.
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Yoshikawa A, Fortinsky RH. Pain Medication Frequency and Fall Risk Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Arthritis. J Appl Gerontol 2024:7334648241261425. [PMID: 39023773 DOI: 10.1177/07334648241261425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain medication is commonly used among older adults with arthritis, elevating the risk of falling. We examined fall risks related to the frequency of taking pain medication among community-dwelling older adults with arthritis by analyzing a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged >65 with self-reported arthritis (n = 4,225) in the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study. The survey-weighted logistic regression revealed that after controlling for confounding factors, recent falls were associated with taking pain medication daily compared to never (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.96). The other categories of medication frequency, compared to never, were not associated with fall risk. Findings suggest that more prudent use of pain medication should be stressed by health care providers for older adults with arthritis to help reduce the risk of falls and fall injuries. Nonpharmacological pain management is encouraged to support active living among older adults with arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Yoshikawa
- School of Health Promotion & Kinesiology, College of Health Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, USA
- Institute for Women's Health, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Richard H Fortinsky
- UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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Knox PJ, Pugliese JM, Pohlig RT, Coyle PC, Sions JM, Hicks GE. A Clinical Measure of Trunk Neuromuscular Function Predicts Falling in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2024; 47:13-20. [PMID: 36827686 PMCID: PMC10447628 DOI: 10.1519/jpt.0000000000000372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Older adults with low back pain (LBP) are at risk for falling, but condition-specific mechanisms are unknown. Trunk neuromuscular function is critical for maintaining balance during mobility tasks and is often impaired in older adults with LBP. The purpose of this study was to assess whether aberrant lumbopelvic movements (or aberrant movements), a clinical index of trunk neuromuscular function, were associated with increased fall risk among older adults with chronic LBP over a 12-month follow-up period. METHODS This study analyzed data from a prospective cohort study of 250 community-dwelling older adults with chronic LBP. Participants were screened for 4 aberrant movements during 3 trials of forward flexion from a standing position: instability catch, painful arc, altered lumbopelvic rhythm, and Gower's sign. Aberrant movements were totaled to yield a summary score (ie, 0-4). Prospective falls were monitored via monthly fall calendars for 12 months. A generalized linear model with Poisson distribution and log link function was used to evaluate the association between aberrant movements and prospective fall risk. Age, sex, body mass index, LBP intensity, dynamic balance performance, prior falls, anxiolytic medication usage, and hip osteoarthritis characteristics were included as covariates in the model. RESULTS Baseline aberrant movements were independently associated with greater fall risk (risk ratio = 1.249, 95% CI = 1.047-1.491, P = .014); each 1-unit increase in aberrant movement score imparted a 24.9% increase in the risk of falling. CONCLUSIONS Aberrant movements increased the risk of falling among older adults with chronic LBP over a 1-year span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Knox
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | | | - Ryan T. Pohlig
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
- Biostatistics Core, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Peter C. Coyle
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Jaclyn M. Sions
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Gregory E. Hicks
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
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Alswerki MN, AlRaie LA, Aladwan D, Alabed Y, Ibrahim A, Aburumman R, Shaf'ei M, Sharayah M, Qaraqesh MA, Al-Juboori MA, Haddad BI, Alajlouni J. Total hip arthroplasty for adult patients with hip arthritis in Jordan: clinical profiles and patient characteristics. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2024; 48:71-78. [PMID: 38051384 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-023-06053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgeries, with hip arthritis being the main indication. This procedure is usually performed when other non-surgical methods fail to relieve patients' hip pain and improve their quality of life. However, limited information exists to identify and compare the demographics and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing this procedure in Jordan. This study aims to identify these demographic and clinical characteristics and compare the findings in terms of gender differences. METHODOLOGY This is a retrospective study that analysed the hospital records of 650 patients undergoing THA in tertiary referral hospital in Jordan over a four-year period from January 2019 to December 2022. The collected data were classified into three categories: demographic characteristics, perioperative variables, and patients' related health profiles. IBM's Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 software (IBM, USA) and descriptive analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS Two-thirds of the sample studied were female (63.4%). In terms of bleeding profiles, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 542 millilitres. The major indication for THA was degenerative hip arthritis (50.5%), followed by hip dysplasia (40.3%).. Comparing the findings of the two gender groups, females were more likely to have degenerative and dysplastic hip arthritis (221 and 157, p = 0.04 and p = 0.1, respectively) when compared to males. Although males were more likely to lose more blood during the surgery (557 ml vs. 533 ml, p = 0.33, females needed more blood transfusions both during (21 vs. 6 patients, p = 0.12) and after the surgery (57 vs. 16 patients, p = 0.006). Furthermore, females were more likely to have comorbidities such hypertension (293 vs. 179 patients, p = 0.20), and hypothyroidism (313 vs 187, p = 0.36), and diabetes (85 vs. 38 patients, p = 0.15), among many other health conditions. However, in the study sample, male smokers outnumbered female smokers (132 vs. 63). CONCLUSION Gender highly impacted the immediate surgical outcomes of patients who underwent THA. Females were more likely to need blood transfusions both during and after the surgery and had lower post-operative haemoglobin readings. In addition, females had more comorbidities and degenerative hip osteoarthritis. We believe that raising awareness about comorbidity management, preoperative smoking cessation, and perioperative blood transfusion management can improve medical and surgical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad N Alswerki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jordan University Hospital, P.O. Box: (13046), Amman, 11942, Jordan.
| | - Lana A AlRaie
- Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Deema Aladwan
- Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Yasmeen Alabed
- Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Alia Ibrahim
- Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Razan Aburumman
- Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Moayad Shaf'ei
- Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Bassem I Haddad
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jordan University Hospital, P.O. Box: (13046), Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Jihad Alajlouni
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jordan University Hospital, P.O. Box: (13046), Amman, 11942, Jordan
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Asamoto T, Osawa Y, Takegami Y, Okamoto M, Iida H, Imagama S. Fall risk in patient with dysplastic hip osteoarthritis. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2024; 48:221-227. [PMID: 37606767 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-023-05938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with dysplastic hip osteo arthritis (DHOA) often have a spinopelvic imbalance, and they are more likely to experience falls. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for falls in patients with DHOA, including spinopelvic parameters. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a total of 103 patients with DHOA were included from 2019 to 2021. Fall risk was evaluated using the Fall Risk Index 5 items version (FRI-5). Demographics, functional outcomes, and spinopelvic parameters were compared between the high-risk group (FRI-5 ≥ 6) and the low-risk group (FRI-5 < 6). Multivariate analysis was performed using factors with significant differences in univariate analysis. RESULTS High-risk and low-risk groups comprised 54 and 49 patients, respectively. Females were significantly more common in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group. The Harris Hip Score was significantly lower in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (p = 0.02). Pelvic incidence, tilt, and obliquity were significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 3.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-12.64, p = 0.03), pelvic obliquity (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.09-1.71, p < 0.01), and Harris hip score (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99, p = 0.02) were identified as risk factors. CONCLUSION Female sex, pelvic obliquity, and low Harris hip score were associated with an increased risk of falls among patients with DHOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamune Asamoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yusuke Osawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiko Takegami
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masanori Okamoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroki Iida
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shiro Imagama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
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Song J, Wu X, Zhang Y, Song P, Zhao Y. Association between changes in depressive symptoms and falls: The China health and retirement longitudinal study (CHARLS). J Affect Disord 2023; 341:393-400. [PMID: 37683944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the impact of depressive symptoms and changes in depressive status on falls among middle-aged and older population in China. METHODS We used two waves of interview data (time 1 [T1] and time 2 [T2], 2 years from T1) from a nationally representative sample of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which included a total of 14,356 participants (male 6859; mean age: 59.5 ± 9.3 years). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item short form of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Participants were categorized into four groups based on changes in their CES-D-10 scores over a 2-year follow-up period. Self-reported falls were evaluated, and logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and fallen. RESULTS Participants who had experienced falls had higher CES-D-10 scores and were more likely to have depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms at T1 were significantly associated with falls during the follow-up period. After adjusting for covariables, increasing CES-D-10 scores were associated with higher adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for falling prevalence: 1.230 (95 % CI, 1.041-1.453), 1.579 (95 % CI, 1.331-1.873), 1.745 (95 % CI, 1.472-2.070), and 2.366 (95 % CI, 1.972-2.838). Participants who experienced depressive symptoms at either T1 or T2, as well as those with persistent depressive symptoms from T1 to T2, were both at higher risk for future falls. The worsening of depressive symptoms significantly increased the likelihood of falls. CONCLUSION This study revealed a significant association between depressive symptoms and changes in depressive status with subsequent falls in older adults. The heightened fall risk among individuals with depressive symptoms underscores the importance of addressing mental health as an integral part of comprehensive fall prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Song
- Rehabilitation Center, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinze Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yajie Zhang
- Jiangwan Hospital of Shanghai Hongkou District, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Science Affiliated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiyu Song
- Jiangwan Hospital of Shanghai Hongkou District, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Science Affiliated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinjiao Zhao
- Jiangwan Hospital of Shanghai Hongkou District, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Science Affiliated Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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Naumov AV, Vorobyeva NM, Khovasova NO, Moroz VI, Meshkov AD, Manevich TM, Tkacheva ON, Kotovskaya YV, Selezneva EV, Ovcharova LN. The prevalence of osteoarthritis and its association with geriatric syndromes in people over 65: data from the Russian epidemiological study EVKALIPT. TERAPEVT ARKH 2022; 93:1482-1490. [DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2021.12.201268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background. Osteoarthritis (OA) in elderly and senile patients is not only common, but also one of the main diseases affecting the duration of active life, its quality, the appearance of addictions and loss of autonomy. Data on the relationship between OA and geriatric syndromes (GS) in our country are extremely scarce.
Aim. To estimate the prevalence of OA and to analyze its associations with HS in persons aged 65 years.
Materials and methods. The study included 4308 people (30% of men) aged 65 to 107 years, living in 11 regions of Russia. The patients were divided into 2 groups: with OA (n=2464) and without OA (n=1821). All patients underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment.
Results. The prevalence of OA was 57.6%. With age, the frequency of OA increased significantly. According to the results of a comprehensive geriatric assessment, patients with OA had lower walking speed, the sum of points on the Bartel, Lawton scales and a short battery of physical functioning tests and higher the sum of points on the geriatric scale of depression and the age is not a hindrance scale. Patients with OA rated the quality of life and health status lower and higher the intensity of pain syndrome. Patients with OA were more likely to use any assistive device, with the exception of a wheelchair. In patients with OA, the most common HS were chronic pain syndrome (92%), senile asthenia syndrome (64%), basic (66%) and instrumental (56%) dependence in everyday life, cognitive impairment (62%), probable depression (51%) and urinary incontinence (50%). Univariate regression analysis showed that OA is associated with a 1.23.0-fold increase in the risk of a number of GS and a 28% decrease in the risk of malnutrition.
Conclusion. OA is widespread in the elderly population. The presence of OA is associated with a number of GS associated with loss of autonomy.
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Tueth LE, Duncan RP. Musculoskeletal pain in Parkinson's disease: a narrative review. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2021; 11:373-385. [PMID: 34410146 PMCID: PMC8515213 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2021-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) is higher than that of age-matched controls. In this review, we outline what is known about MSK pain in PD, focusing on the neck, shoulder, knee, hip and low back. We also compare what is known about MSK pain in PD to what is known in older adults without PD. Finally, we outline areas of for future research related to MSK pain in people with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Elizabeth Tueth
- Program in Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Ryan P Duncan
- Program in Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
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Bazargan M, Loeza M, Ekwegh T, Adinkrah EK, Kibe LW, Cobb S, Assari S, Bazargan-Hejazi S. Multi-Dimensional Impact of Chronic Low Back Pain among Underserved African American and Latino Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7246. [PMID: 34299695 PMCID: PMC8306928 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common, poorly understood, and potentially disabling chronic pain conditions from which older adults suffer. The existing low back pain research has relied almost exclusively on White/Caucasian participant samples. This study examines the correlates of chronic low back pain among a sample of underserved urban African American and Latino older adults. Controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, living arrangement, and number of major chronic conditions, associations between low back pain and the following outcome variables are examined: (1) healthcare utilization, (2) health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and self-rated quality of health; and (3) physical and mental health outcomes. METHODS We recruited nine hundred and five (905) African American and Latino older adults from the South Los Angeles community using convenience and snowball sampling. In addition to standard items that measure demographic variables, our survey included validated instruments to document HR-QoL health status, the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2, Geriatric Depression Scale, sleep disorder, and healthcare access. Data analysis includes bivariate and 17 independent multivariate models. RESULTS Almost 55% and 48% of the Latino and African American older adults who participated in our study reported chronic low back pain. Our data revealed that having low back pain was associated with three categories of outcomes including: (1) a higher level of healthcare utilization measured by (i) physician visits, (ii) emergency department visits, (iii) number of Rx used, (iv) a higher level of medication complexity, (v) a lower level of adherence to medication regimens, and (vi) a lower level of satisfaction with medical care; (2) a lower level of HR-QoL and self-assessment of health measured by (i) physical health QoL, (ii) mental health QoL, and (iii) a lower level of self-rated health; and (3) worse physical and mental health outcomes measured by (i) a higher number of depressive symptoms, (ii) a higher level of pain, (iii) falls, (iv) sleep disorders, (v) and being overweight/obese. DISCUSSION Low back pain remains a public health concern and significantly impacts the quality of life, health care utilization, and health outcomes of underserved minority older adults. Multi-faceted and culturally sensitive interventional studies are needed to ensure the timely diagnosis and treatment of low back pain among underserved minority older adults. Many barriers and challenges that affect underserved African American and Latino older adults with low back pain simply cannot be addressed in over-crowded EDs. Our study contributes to and raises the awareness of healthcare providers and health policymakers on the necessity for prevention, early diagnosis, proper medical management, and rehabilitation policies to minimize the burdens associated with chronic low back pain among underserved older African American and Latino patients in an under-resourced community such as South Los Angeles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (M.L.); (S.A.)
- Department of Public Health, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
- Physician Assistant Program, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
- Department of Family Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Margarita Loeza
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (M.L.); (S.A.)
- Department of Family Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tavonia Ekwegh
- School of Nursing, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (T.E.); (S.C.)
| | | | - Lucy W. Kibe
- Physician Assistant Program, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
| | - Sharon Cobb
- School of Nursing, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (T.E.); (S.C.)
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (M.L.); (S.A.)
- Department of Public Health, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
| | - Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi
- Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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