Depressive symptoms, pain experiences, and pain management strategies among residents of Taiwanese public elder care homes

The purpose of this study was to explore depressive symptoms, pain experiences, and pain self-care management strategies among residents of public elder care homes in Taiwan. Random sampling was used to recruit participants (n = 200). In this sample, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 49.0%. Pain prevalence was significantly higher in the depressed group (59.2%) than in the non-depressed group (43.1%). Depressed participants tended to report more severe pain intensity, worst pain, average pain, and more interference with walking than the non-depressed group. Most participants (60.0%) took prescribed medications for dealing with pain. Self was the main information source for pain management strategies. Participants reported severe bouts of pain but used limited self-care pain management strategies. Due to the limited number of health care providers in elder care homes, the authors recommend increasing knowledge about depression, pain, and pain management strategies of both institutional health care staff and residents.