The Prevalence of Chronic Pain and Depression among Chinese Older Adults in Hong Kong

Background: Pain is very common among older adults. Yet, evidence-based pain management services in Hong Kong that address the special needs of the older population are barely existent. One important barrier that hinders the progress in pain management among the elderly is the lack of an effective screening program for psychiatric distress, such as depression, among pain-suffering older adults. Objectives: To: (1) compare the assessment of pain in elderly patients as rated by family caregivers and the patients themselves, (2) estimate the prevalence of chronic pain among elderly patients, and its psychosocial, clinical, and socio-demographic correlates, and (3) estimate the prevalence of depression among elderly patients with chronic pain and its psychosocial, clinical and socio-demographic correlates. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. Methods: A sample of 2,300 consecutive patients aged ³60 years attending public medical services at different public hospitals in Hong Kong will be recruited. Eligible and consented patients will be assessed in a face-to-face interview on a battery of questionnaires assessing pain intensity, depression, mental and functional status, quality of life, healthcare utilization patterns, and clinical and socio-demographic characteristics. Their family caregivers will also be invited to take part in a telephone interview. The primary outcomes of the study are pain intensity and depression. Secondary outcome measures include quality of life, mental and functional status, quality of life, and healthcare utilization patterns.

Funding Source: HK Private Fund - Charities/Foundations^^