Choice of nonpharmacological pain therapies by ethnically diverse older adults

This study compared nonpharmacological pain therapies used by ethnically diverse older adults with recommendations of family physicians and identified factors associated with nonpharmacological pain therapies use.

Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 281 participants in four ethnic groups (European Americans, Hispanics, African-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans) with chronic pain were surveyed. Binary logistic regression analyses were employed to determine associated factors.

Nonaquatic exercise and physical therapy were most frequently recommended by physicians, and nonaquatic exercise was most commonly used by participants. Lower pain levels predicted use of nonaquatic exercise, and ethnicity predicted use of prayer to manage chronic pain. Future research should examine barriers to use of psychological treatments and assess the value of combined physical and psychological treatments.