Intrarace group variability in characteristics of self-reported pain and sleep difficulty in older African Americans with arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
Few studies have examined the behavioral and clinical indicators of sleep difficulty among older African Americans diagnosed with arthritis. This study aimed to examine the association of sleep, pain, and comorbid indicators among this population.


METHODS
Using a cross-sectional design, 193 older African Americans (70.4 ± 9.11 years of age) completed a series of questions assessing health, pain, and sleep.


RESULTS
Findings showed that young old participants (β = -.28, p < .001) reported more difficulty sleeping and being awakened due to pain (β = -.17, p < .05) than the old old adults.


CONCLUSIONS
There is significant within-group variability, with young old adults being most affected by sleep difficulties.


CONCLUSIONS
While the relationship between pain and sleep may be intuitive for majority populations, the dynamics of this association may be useful in promoting sleep awareness and providing resources for caregivers and health care professionals to better meet the needs of this population.
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA tbakerthomas@usf.edu.
Tamara A
TA
Baker
Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
Keith E
KE
Whitfield
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001168:Arthritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D057566:Self Report; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
African Americans; older adults; pain intensity; sleep difficulty due to pain