[The prevalence of pain in the elderly German population: results of population-based studies with the Giessen Subjective Complaints List (Giessener Beschwerdebogen GBB)].
METHODS
In a separate population-based cross-sectional study (n = 593; 53,62% female) using the short form of the Giessen Subjective Complaints List (Giessener Beschwerdebogen GBB-24), data was collected on current pain in various parts of the body (limbs, back, neck, head, stomach).


RESULTS
Rheumatic pain is most frequent in the elderly. At the age of 76 years or older more than 90% are affected from this form of pain. Even if the frequency of pain in the highest grading is lightly higher for women than for men, there are only few significant sex-related effects. Furthermore, there are only few age-related effects beyond the age of 60.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that pain is a common problem in the elderly.
Gunzelmann
T
T
Nürnberg, Germany. Thomas_Gunzelmann@web.de
Schumacher
J
J
Brähler
E
E
D000368:Aged; D018672:Community Health Planning; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology