Background and aims
Chronic pain markedly affects quality of life of an individual. The objective was to examine persistence of both pain intensity and interference, and factors associated with pain becoming chronic in community-dwelling elderly.
Methods
Questionnaire-based and clinical data of 1,954 subjects included at baseline were collected in four visits (year 2002, 2005, 2008, 2012). Based on self-reports, subjects (mean age 62.6 years in 2002) were divided into four pain categories using a foursquare model: Category I: no to mild SF-36 pain intensity and interference; Category II: Moderate to very severe pain intensity, no to a little bit interference; Category III: no to mild pain intensity, moderate to extreme interference, Category IV: Moderate to very severe pain intensity and interference. Pain persistence and pain-associated factors were examined. Childhood index was calculated to reflect the childhood home environment.
Results
Higher age, low education years, co-morbidity and negative childhood environment were related to higher levels of pain interference regardless of intensity.  Musculoskeletal disease (OR 0.22 [CI 0.16 to 0.30], p < 0.001), BMI (OR 0.93 [CI 0.90 to 0.97], p < 0.001) and Childhood index (OR 1.03 [CI 1.00 to 1.05], p < 0.05) were associated with subjects’ permanence in Category I.
Conclusions
Separate assessment of pain intensity and interference is important in older adults. Already early life years affect individuals' pain situation in adulthood. Several factors were identified to which preventive methods may be targeted in order to prevent pain chronification.

OLDER ADULTS' PAIN PERSISTENCE IN A 10-YEAR FOLLOW-UP - A POPULATION-BASED STUDY