Abstract
Background
Pain assessment and pain care are influenced by the characteristics of both the patient and the caregiver. Some studies suggest that the pain of older persons and of females may be underestimated to a greater extent than the pain of younger and male individuals.
Aims
This study investigated the effect of age and sex on prosocial behavior and pain evaluation.
Methods
40 young (18–30 y/o; 20 women) and 40 older adults (55–82 y/o; 20 women) acted as healthcare professionals rating the pain and offering help to patients of both age groups. Trait empathy and social desirability were measured with questionnaires.
Results
Linear mixed models showed that older and male patients were offered more help and were perceived as being in more intense pain than younger and female patients.
Conclusion
The characteristics of the patients seem to have a greater impact on prosocial behavior and pain assessment compared to those of the observers, which bears significant implications for the treatment of pain in clinical contexts.
from Wiley: European Journal of Pain: Table of Contents https://ift.tt/2RTJgzE
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