Self-perceived needs in older adults with joint pain and comorbidity; a mixed method approach

objective: to explore self-perceived care needs, determinants of identified needs and experiences concerning needs in older adults with joint pain and comorbidity, by using a mixed method approach. Design and methods: a prospective cohort study of older adults (≥65 years) with joint pain and comorbidity provided baseline data (n=407). We used the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE) to assess self-perceived care needs. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between needs and sociodemographic factors (age, gender, partner status and educational level), physical factors (pain intensity, comorbidity, frailty and physical functioning) and psychosocial factors (anxiety, depression and social support). Eight of the participants were interviewed in-depth to explore their needs and experiences concerning needs. results: although we found high levels of environmental (household, food) and physical needs (physical illness, mobility/falls), most needs were met. Only few people reported social needs, but a large proportion of these needs was unmet, especially regarding company and daytime activities. Frail participants that lived alone, perceived less social support and reported more depressive symptoms had more social unmet needs. Thematic analysis of the interviews corresponded with the quantitative findings; older adults seemed to be capable to accept and adapt to their physical and environmental problems. However, giving up social activities and losing membership and role in the community constituted unmet needs. Conclusions: unmet needs are especially present in the social domain and should therefore receive more attention, preferably in an integrated setting of primary care and social care services to improve social well-being of older adults with joint pain and comorbidity. Mixed-method study to explore self-perceived needs | 125