Relationship between Intensity of Pain, Depression Level and Quality Of Life in Geriatric Population Suffering From Different Regional Pains

Background: Disability, painful joints and depression becomes common in geriatric patient. There are many regional painful joints which are common in this agegroup owing to degenerative process. Objectives: This study aims to detect which regional pain contributes most for the depression and how pain influences the level of depression and the quality of life in geriatrics. Methodology: Study was conducted on 60 subjects; above 60 years of age and divided into 4 groups based on their location of pain. Each group was assessed for pain intensity using Numeric Analogue Scale (NAS), quality of life using EQ-5D scale and depression using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Result: Strong correlation (p<0.05) between NAS and GDS in neck pain and back pain group. Strong co-relation (p<0.05) existing between NAS and EQ-5D in neck pain and knee pain group. Correlation between GDS and EQ-5D was very strong (p<0.05) for knee pain group. Conclusion: Pain has strong influence on depression and poor quality of life in geriatric population suffering from neck/shoulder/back/knee pain. Depression and reduced quality of life was correlating with all the 4 conditions in a range from negligible to strong.