Preparing to implement a self-management program for back pain in new york city senior centers: what do prospective consumers think?
OBJECTIVE
Prior to testing the feasibility/potential efficacy of a newly developed self-management pain program for seniors with back pain, this study sought to: 1) determine prospective consumers' prior exposure to self-management pain programs, 2) determine their willingness to participate in the new program, and 3) ascertain perceived barriers/facilitators to program participation.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Six senior centers located in New York City.


METHODS
We enrolled a race/ethnicity stratified (African American, Hispanic, or non-Hispanic White) sample of 90 subjects who were ages 60 years or older and had chronic back pain.


RESULTS
While 60% of non-Hispanic Whites reported prior participation in a self-management pain program, fewer Hispanic (23%) and African Americans (20%) participants reported prior participation. Most participants (80%) were strongly willing to participate in the new program. Multivariate analyses revealed that only pain intensity had a trend toward significance (P = 0.07), with higher pain scores associated with greater willingness to participate. Few barriers to participation were identified, however, respondents felt that tailoring the course to best meet the needs of those with physical disabilities, providing flexibility in class timing, and informing individuals about program benefits prior to enrollment could help maximize program reach. No race/ethnicity differences were identified with respect to willingness to participate or program participation barriers.


CONCLUSIONS
These data support efforts to disseminate self-management pain programs in older populations, particularly minority communities. The recommendations made by participants can help to guide implementation efforts of the newly developed pain program and may help to enhance both their reach and success.
Townley
Sarah
S
Division of Geriatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York 10065, USA.
Papaleontiou
Maria
M
Amanfo
Leslie
L
Henderson
Charles R
CR
Pillemer
Karl
K
Beissner
Katherine
K
Reid
M C
MC
D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001416:Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012648:Self Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome