The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

5030.0: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 9:00 AM

Abstract #44704

Arthritis Symptoms as Indicators of Pain in Older African Americans

Tamara Adonna Baker, PhD, Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, University of Michigan, 109 South Observatory St., Room 3072, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734-615-4198, tamarab@umich.edu and Linda Chatters, PhD, Health Behavior and Health Education/School of Public Health, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, 1420 Washington Heights Blvd, SPH II, 5th Floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

This study was designed to examine the effect of arthritis symptoms in predicting perceived pain and to determine the amount of unique pain variance accounted for by various psychological and demographic indicators among older African Americans. Participants were older African Americans (N=176). The mean age of the sample was 70.1 years(SD=9.0). A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to determine which arthritis symptoms were significant indicators of greater pain intensity, while controlling for the demographics, specific pain locations, total pain sites, total medical conditions, and depression variables. Arthritis symptoms accounted for 20% of the unique variance in pain. The full regression model was significant and accounted for 31% of the variation in pain. Depression and the arthritis symptoms, limited joint movement, were significant indicators of pain. These findings underscore the importance for continued research on disease processes and physical and mental health outcomes in older African Americans.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

Keywords: African American, Arthritis

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Ethnicity and Aging

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA