Association between sociodemographic and anthropometric factors and aspects of spirituality/religiosity in elderly women with chronic pain

This study aimed to investigate the association between sociodemographic and anthropometric factors and aspects of spirituality/religiosity in elderly women with chronic pain. Quantitative cross-sectional research carried out with 80 elderly women, diagnosed with chronic pain, from a multidisciplinary program in inland Minas Gerais. A sociodemographic and the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiosity/Spirituality forms were applied. Statistical analysis was descriptive for numerical variables, while absolute and relative frequencies were used for categorical variables. Multiple linear regression and analysis of variance were used for association between the Religiosity/Spirituality scores and the multidimensional aspects of pain, socioeconomic aspects and general health status perception. The mean age of the sample was 69.6 ± 5.8 years, low education (5 ± 3.5 years) and high number of comorbidities, especially in the circulatory system. The average BMI was 29.8 (overweight). Most used continuous medications, especially analgesic when under serious pain. Positive associations were found between S/R levels and “With whom resides” (p=0.05), “Religious Affiliation” (p=0.05), “Use of Continuous Medication” (p=0.09), “Use of Medication for Continuous Pain” (p=0.09) domains. In general, elderly women who live with their spouses take comorbidity control and chronic pain drugs, have higher BMI, some religious affiliation, and higher S/R levels.