Pain Prevalence and Intensity Among Older Family Caregivers Versus Non-Caregivers in the United States.
Objective: We compared pain prevalence and intensity between caregivers and non-caregivers, as well as between different types of caregivers.Method: Using two rounds of data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, we used regression models to analyze differences in pain prevalence and intensity between caregivers and non-caregivers at baseline (2010-2011) and follow-up (2015-2016). The sample consisted of 2332 participants aged 62 and older (352 caregivers and 1980 non-caregivers).Results: Cross-sectionally, caregivers were more likely than non-caregivers to report pain. Longitudinally, caregivers with pain at baseline were more likely to report the presence of pain and greater pain intensity five years later compared to non-caregivers who also reported pain at baseline. More hours of care per week was associated with greater pain intensity at baseline and follow-up among caregivers with pain.Discussion: Caregivers' pain is a public health concern, with efforts to mitigate the effects of caregiving on pain needed.