Association Between Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Pain Among Older Adults

INTRODUCTION: The quality of life of older adults is strongly affected by anxiety and chronic pain, which leads to psychological distress and reduced functionality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between quality of life, anxiety, and pain among older adults. METHODS: In this quantitative cross-sectional study, one hundred (n=100) participants with a mean age of 75.3 years (SD = 7.7 years) took part in the study. Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Pain were evaluated via i) the SF-12 Health Survey, ii) the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and iii) the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), respectively, and a questionnaire about demographic characteristics. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to explore the association of two continuous variables. Multiple linear regression analysis in a stepwise method was used with dimensions of quality of life as dependent variables. RESULTS: Both state and trait anxiety were significantly associated with poor mental health and quality of life (p<.001), while increased pain was significantly associated with low physical health (p<.001) and high state (p=.012) and trait anxiety (p<.001). Individuals who had been involved in manual work reported decreased physical health (p=.036) and poor mental health (p<.001). Those who lived alone had poor mental health (p=.009), while high trait anxiety was significantly associated with increased age (p=.043). CONCLUSIONS: Early assessment of anxiety and pain can improve the physical and mental health of older adults and their overall quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach to pain management can prevent the deterioration of physical health among this population.