[Incidence of pain in elderly patients. A questionnaire survey of healthy members of a senior citizen meeting].
METHODS
138 elderly ambulatory visitors to a senior citizens club were asked to fill in a standardized questionnaire dealing with symptom pain.


RESULTS
Some 88% of those participating indicated that they experienced pain at least occasionally. 50% admitted to experiencing pain on the day of the investigation. For the most part, pain occurred during the day and most commonly involved joints and legs. A total of 75% claimed that they would, in principle, use analgesics. Of these, 80% admitted to taking painkillers at least once a week, while 39% reported daily usage. A clear preference was shown for tablets and capsules or suppositories over ointments and intramuscular injections, with drops bringing up the rear of the popularity list.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the investigation reveal the frequency of pain in the elderly, and underscore the importance of providing appropriate pain treatment.
Breidung
R
R
Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Nürnberg Nord der Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology
D000700:Analgesics
Häufigkeit von Schmerzen bei älteren Menschen. Eine Fragebogenerhebung bei rüstigen Besuchern eines Seniorentreffs.