Author(s)

Matthew Ayegboyin, Kabiru K. Salami^*

Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Musculoskeletal pain (MS pain) in the elderly has attracted more medical focus than its social dimensions. This cross-sectional survey design study, conducted in southwestern Nigeria, through a multi-stage sampling technique, documented reported MS pain in 1280 consented elderly using 3-scale pain experiences categorized as acute, semi-acute, and chronic. Also, 12 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) among elderly persons, and 15 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) among orthodox- and traditional medicine practitioners were conducted. The age of the respondents was 65.5 ± 4, while about half (51.1%) had no formal education. Majority (76.8%) of the respondents perceived MS pain as normal process of old age. Occupational life history of the respondents ranked the highest as perceived reason for having MS pain, while the knees (19.6%) were the most identified pained location among others in the body. A high significant relationship between neck and shoulders pain (χ² = 0.000) was however found. Social construction dimensions of the elderly were narrated, while MS pain was considered as sickness of the elders. There is need for orientation for the elderly and their helpers on the social dimensions of old age relative to Nigeria.

Ageing Population, Older Persons, Musculoskeletal Pain, Social Dimensions, Social Security

Ayegboyin, M. and Salami, K. (2019) Social Dimensions of Musculoskeletal Pain Experiences among the Elderly in Southwestern Nigeria. Health, 11, 953-970. doi: 10.4236/health.2019.117077.