The effect of pain level on the quality of life of elderly people applying to the multi-purpose geriatric center

Aim: This research was conducted to determine the effect of pain level on quality of life in the elderly. Material and Method: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study. The research runs between October 2023 and November 2024. The population of our research consists of 820 elderly individuals who applied to Sivas Numune Hospital Multi-Purpose Geriatrics Center in one year. Data; It was collected using the Personal Data Form, McGill Melzack Pain Scale and Quality of Life Scale. The sample was determined by power analysis. The sample size was determined as 291 people with an effect size of 0.25, a margin of error of 0.05 and a confidence interval of 0.95. The sample was selected by random sampling method from non-probability sampling methods. Results: It was determined that the mean of the McGill Melzack Pain Scale in the elderly was 45.46±11.73, and the mean of the Quality of Life Scale in the elderly was 76.18±11.31. It was determined that the McGill Melzack Pain Scale, its sub-dimensions and pain severity had a %35 effect on the quality of life in the elderly. In our study, it was determined that the McGill Melzack Pain Scale-sub-dimensions, pain severity and socio-demographic characteristics had a %34.6 effect on the quality of life in the elderly. Conclusion: It has been determined that the level of pain in the elderly has a negative effect on the quality of life, and that the quality of life decreases as the level and severity of pain increases in the elderly. In line with this result, it is recommended that nurses raise awareness in the elderly about taking into account the level and severity of pain in order to increase the quality of life of elderly individuals.