Association Between Chronic Pain, Coping Strategies, and Sleep Quality in Rural Chinese Older Adults: A...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Public Health
• Geriatric Medicine
• Sleep Science

Background:

• Sleep quality is a critical component of health in aging populations.
• Rural older adults in China face unique challenges impacting their well-being.
• Understanding the interplay of chronic pain and coping strategies on sleep is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sleep quality in rural Chinese older adults.
• To examine associations between chronic pain, sleep quality, and coping mechanisms.
• To explore the mediating role of coping strategies in the pain-sleep relationship.

Main Methods:

• Observational, cross-sectional study design.
• Convenience sample of 158 older adults in rural Northern Anhui, China.
• Data collected via questionnaires assessing chronic pain (VAS), coping (CSQ-R), and sleep quality (AIS).

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of poor sleep quality (73.4%) was observed.
• Chronic pain and praying (coping strategy) were significant predictors of sleep quality.
• Mediation analysis revealed chronic pain indirectly affects sleep quality through praying.

Conclusions:

• Significant associations exist between chronic pain, coping strategies, and sleep quality in this population.
• Chronic pain directly impacts sleep quality, while praying may offer a protective effect.
• Healthcare providers should address pain and promote adaptive coping strategies to enhance sleep quality in older adults.