A literature review on fatigue among older people in pain: prevalence and predictors

Objective. The aim of the study was to survey existing research about fatigue among older people with chronic non-malignant pain. Method. A structured literature review was carried out using the Medline database. The terms 'fatigue' and 'tiredness' were used synonymously. These subject headings were combined with pain. A literature search was made in 2004 and included articles back to 1995. Results. The review of studies from the last decade resulted in 11 articles of relevance. The result showed that fatigue was common among older people and even more common among those in pain. However, there was discordance regarding the prevalence, and the figures ranged from 30% to 98%. Fatigue was found to be associated above all with pain, functional limitations/functioning, and low quality of life. No articles were found focusing on interventions against fatigue. Conclusions. Fatigue is common in old age and even more common when people are in pain. However, knowledge seems to be sparse especially regarding interventions in daily care. Thus, more studies are needed that focus on fatigue to get firm evidence about the prevalence among older people in pain. In addition, studies about interventions against fatigue are urgently needed so that the care of older people can include actions against fatigue and to improve quality of life. Relevance to clinical practice. It is of importance that fatigue is not ignored in the care of older people. By intervening against symptoms such as fatigue it will most likely ease the pain and improve quality of life.