A Study of the Relationship of Chronic Pain, Pain Coping, Fatigue, Self-esteem, and Depression in Elders

노인의 만성통증과 통증대처, 피로, 자아존중감 및 우울의 관계연구

Purpose: This study was done to investigate the relationship among the variables, chronic pain, pain coping, fatigue, self-esteem, and depression in elders. Method: Data were collected by self-reported questionnaires from 270 older adults. Data analysis was done with SPSS 10.1 for descriptive statistics and a PC LISREL program for covariance structural analysis. Results: According to modified model, chronic pain was found to have a significant direct and total effect on pain coping. Chronic pain and pain coping were found to have a significant direct and total effect on fatigue. Chronic pain, pain coping and fatigue were found to have a significant direct and total effect on self-esteem. Chronic pain, pain coping, and self-esteem were found to have a significant direct effect on depression. Conclusion: This modified model is considered appropriate for explaining the relationship among chronic pain, pain coping, fatigue, self-esteem, and depression in elders. Also, the findings support the development of an intervention strategy to relieve chronic pain in elders.