Association Between Level of Pain and Depression Among Chronically Ill Older Adults in Rural Alabama: A Pilot Study

There is a paucity of research on pain and depression among older adults in rural communities. To address such a gap, this study examined the association between pain and depression among older rural-community-dwelling adults. Recruited from rural senior centers, 100 chronically ill older adults (age 55 or older) experiencing pain completed a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected on their level of depression (a five-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale), pain (the six-item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Pain scale), and sociodemographic factors. A multiple linear regression was conducted. With sociodemographic variables controlled, those reporting higher pain scores were significantly more likely to have higher depression scores (p < .05). Older participants had lower depression scores than younger participants (p < .05). In view of poorer health outcomes and limited health care access in rural areas, our findings warrant interventions to promote better access to pain management and mental health services for rural older adults.