Perceptions of elderly people with chronic low back pain regarding the pain condition – a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: As life expectancy increases, the number of older people complaining of low back pain tends to be greater, contributing to more years of life with disabilities. Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the most common and debilitating musculoskeletal condition among older people aged 60 and over and is associated with many physical and psychosocial consequences, such as: high levels of disability, anxiety, stress, poor lifestyle and negative beliefs about the body. In Brazil, 25.4% of older people suffer from CLBP, which makes it one of the most relevant health conditions in old age. Despite its prevalent and problematic nature among older Brazilians, surprisingly little qualitative research has attempted to understand the experience of CLBP from the perspective of older adults. There is a lack of studies that have investigated the perceptions of Brazilian older people regarding the condition of CLBP, how it influences their daily lives and how it affects social relationships with family and friends. Objective: To explore the perceptions and experiences of Brazilian older people with chronic low back pain regarding their pain condition. Methods: This is a descriptive qualitative study, in which data from semi-structured interviews and drawings were analyzed in an iterative and inductive way, using principles of reflective thematic analysis. Twenty-two older individuals (16 women, mean age: 69 years) with chronic low back pain were interviewed remotely via videoconference via online meeting platforms (GoogleMeetTM) or video call (WhatsappTM), on a day and time convenient for them. participants. Results: Iterative thematic analysis identified 6 themes: (1) Low back pain: a sensory and emotional experience; (2) causes of pain: age and wear on the spine, physical overload and emotional overload; (3) seeking treatment and not improving; (4) health professionals as a source of misinformation and pessimism; (5) the impact of pain on life: repercussions and limitations; (6) dealing with pain: movement, resilience and passive strategies. Conclusion: This qualitative study is the first study to explore the perceptions and experiences of Brazilian older people with CLBP. The results suggest the importance of considering the emotional aspects associated with CLBP, exploring its impact on patients' lives and providing information aligned with current evidence, which promotes a multidimensional understanding of CLBP.