ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PERCEIVED PAIN AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Pain is a highly prevalent and multidimensional problem in older adults and is closely associated with reduced quality of life (QoL). Identifying factors influencing QoL is essential for improving geriatric care and guiding nursing interventions. This study aimed to examine the factors independently associated with QoL in older adults, with a particular focus on the role of perceived geriatric pain. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 72 individuals aged 65 years and older attending a geriatrics outpatient clinic in Türkiye. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Geriatric Pain Measure, and the Quality of Life Scale for Older Adults (CASP-19). Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. The mean QoL score was 21.04 ± 8.12, and the mean pain score was 20.42 ± 11.44. QoL differed significantly according to sex, marital status and education level (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the model was statistically significant (F(5,66) = 8.496, p < .001) and explained 39.2% of the total variance in QoL (R² = .392; Adjusted R² = .346). Higher geriatric pain and increasing age were independently associated with poorer QoL, whereas higher education level was associated with better QoL. Pain was independently associated with poorer QoL and represents a potentially modifiable factor that may be targeted through nursing interventions.