The association of pain locus of control with pain outcomes among older adults.

Our primary objective was to 1) determine the prevalence of pain locus of control (LOC) subscales in a population of older adults with pain conditions, and 2) estimate their associated protective effects on pain outcomes. A mailed survey was sent to a stratified sample of older adults age≥65 with diagnosed back pain, osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to determine the relative protective associations of positive resources, including LOC, resilience and social networks, on pain outcomes. Among respondents (N = 3,824), 31% were identified as internal; 34% as powerful others; and 35% as chance. In adjusted models, internal was associated with outcomes of lower pain severity, reduced chronic opioid use and increased physical functionality. Powerful others was partially protective; chance was associated with the poorest outcomes. Multidimensional pain programs should incorporate the enhancement of positive resources, including LOC, to maximize the effectiveness of pain management strategies.