Pain prevalence and risk factors based on self-reported data from nursing home residents: a multicentre cross-sectional study

Background
Pain has a major impact on nursing home residents’ quality of life, which is why optimizing pain management continues to be a major issue in nursing homes.
Objective
The aim of our study was firstly to investigate the prevalences of pain and severe pain as well as potential indications of undertreatment in Swiss nursing homes by directly interviewing residents. Secondly, we examined which nursing home and resident characteristics are associated with pain, with severe pain and with undertreatment.
Methods
Data on pain in nursing home residents was collected as part of a multicentre cross-sectional survey of 49 nursing homes involving 1198 structured face-to-face interviews with residents. Data were analysed both descriptively and using logistic and linear regression.
Results
The data revealed that 59.7% of residents experienced pain, with a median pain intensity of 5 (moderate). Indications of undertreatment and thus potential for improvement were found, in that 12.6% of residents reported not receiving pain medication despite pain, and 15.9% of residents reported severe pain (7–10) despite receiving pain medication. General health status was identified among others as a relevant predictor of pain frequency, intensity, absence of medication and pain despite pain medication intake.
Conclusion
Pain is still prevalent in Swiss nursing homes, in particular among women and residents with poor or very poor overall health conditions. Therefore, optimising pain management should be a priority in general, but with special attention to these at-risk groups.