Evaluation of self-efficacy determinants in community-dwelling older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain

• Author(s): Ziegler,
• Date: 2020
• Origin: Oasisbr
• Subject(s): health services for the aged; self-efficacy; chronic pain.
• Document Type: Journal article
• Language: English

Description

INTRODUCTION: Self-efficacy is defined as the strength of a person’s convictions in being able to perform a given activity and obtain the expected result. It may act as a potent mediator between chronic musculoskeletal pain and how older adults cope with their disabilities.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the determinants of self-efficacy beliefs and fear of physical exercise in community-dwelling older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Only individuals living in an urban area in southern Brazil and who reported pain for more than 3 months were included. A convenience sample was selected in a nonprobabilistic fashion. The study variables consisted of sociodemographic data; pain based on the Brief Pain Inventory and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs for Patients with Chronic Pain; and self-efficacy based on the Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale. Also, simple questions were created for physical exercise beliefs. For statistical analysis, absolute and relative frequency, x² test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used as appropriate.
RESULTS: The sample consisted of 193 older adults, mostly women with low level of education. Self-efficacy was best rated by older adults living alone and by those who were classified as exclusively nociceptive pain.
CONCLUSION: Despite having chronic pain, older adults with higher self-efficacy feel confident in performing their tasks and have greater ability to cope with changes related to aging and to engage in self-care.