Evaluation of different pain scales in geriatric patients

Güney, F. Evaluation of Different Pain Scales in Geriatric Patients. Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Medical Specialization Thesis, Eskişehir, 2025. Currently, in line with global trends, the number and proportion of older adults in our country are rising rapidly. Pain is one of the most frequently reported complaints among geriatric individuals. The systematic measurement of pain in elderly patients using structured scales is essential both for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning and for avoiding unnecessary analgesic use. In this cross-sectional study, 385 geriatric patients who presented to Family Health Centers in Eskişehir between 15 February 2024 and 15 May 2024 were evaluated using a sociodemographic information form, the Geriatric Pain Scale, and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire to assess various parameters, including pain characteristics, intensity, and medication-use habits. The mean score on the Geriatric Pain Scale was 30.38 ± 12.93, while the mean score on the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire was 10.07 ± 5.65. Subgroup analyses revealed that female participants, those using analgesics without physician recommendation, and those with at least one chronic disease had significantly higher scores on both scales (p < 0.05). A correlation analysis between the two instruments demonstrated a very strong relationship (r = 0.857), indicating that the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire may serve as a reliable assessment tool in the geriatric population. To enhance pain evaluation and management in older adults, it is necessary to develop infrastructure and implement practices at both primary-care and specialist levels that promote early intervention and continuous monitoring, thereby preserving functional independence and improving quality of life. Key Words: Geriatrics, Pain Scales, Geriatric Pain Scale; Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire