Experiences of community-dwelling older adults with chronic low back pain in Hong Kong and Switzerland - A qualitative study.
Veronika Schoeb, Marceau Misteli, Crystal Kwan and 4 others
PMID 36188964WHAT IT FOUND
Older adults with chronic low back pain reported trouble walking, sitting and housework, plus worry and feeling a burden to family, especially in Hong Kong.
They also described keeping family roles, support, contentment and social activities.
Key findings
01Participants reported difficulty walking, sitting and prolonged standing, trouble with housework and carrying heavy objects, and stopping going out or driving. They adapted by resting, taking more time or using assistive devices.
02Participants described pessimistic attitudes toward their condition, worries linked to back pain, and feeling a burden to family, especially in Hong Kong.
03Four themes related to social roles were maintaining family roles, support from family and friends, being content despite chronic low back pain, and enjoying social activities.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study used purposive and convenience sampling, not a representative sample, so the themes may not apply to all older adults with chronic low back pain. The Hong Kong sample was all women, while the Swiss sample included seven men and six women, so differences between places may reflect who was recruited. Participants were recruited through different gatekeepers in Switzerland and Hong Kong, which makes cross-region comparison challenging. The paper reports themes from interviews, not measured effects, so it cannot show that a treatment works.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that this study shows a treatment for chronic low back pain works. It interviewed 25 older adults about their experiences and reported themes, not measured outcomes after an intervention.