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Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Author Spotlight: Quantifying Pain Experience – An Illustrative Approach Using the Pain Body Diagram
Published on: July 7, 2023
Factors Associated With Pain Frequency Among Adults With Chronic Conditions
Kayin T Robinson1, Caroline D Bergeron2, Chivon A Mingo3
1Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.
Context:
Chronic pain affects approximately 100 million Americans, but little is known about the factors associated with pain frequency.
Objectives:
This article examines participants' sociodemographics, medical history, health care access and utilization, self-management barriers, and social support associated with pain frequency among a sample of middle-aged and older adults with one or more chronic condition.
Methods:
Data were from the National Council on Aging Chronic Care Survey. An ordinal regression model was fitted to examine factors associated with self-reported pain frequency.
Results:
Having more chronic conditions (P < 0.001), taking more medication daily (P < 0.001), and visiting the physician five or more times a year (P = 0.011) were associated with more frequent pain. Always getting the help and support needed to manage their health problems was associated with less frequent pain (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
More attention should be given to pain management during interactions with health care providers. Providing resources and support for disease self-management may help reduce pain frequency and self-management in middle-aged and older adults with chronic conditions.
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