@article{Schoeb:10859,
      recid = {10859},
      author = {Schoeb, Veronika and Misteli, Marceau and Kwan, Crystal  and Wong, Chris W. Y. and Opsommer, Emmanuelle and Wong,  Arnold Y. L.},
      title = {Experiences of community-dwelling older adults with  chronic low back pain in Hong Kong and Switzerland : a  qualitative study},
      journal = {Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences},
      address = {2022-08},
      number = {ARTICLE},
      pages = {14 p.},
      abstract = {Introduction: The prevalence of chronic low back pain  (LBP) increases with age and older adults are more  vulnerable to develop chronic LBP. A recent Swiss study has  shown that 78% of community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65  years experienced chronic LBP. Similarly, a study in Hong  Kong found that approximately 30% of people aged above 60  years experienced chronic LBP. The aim of this  collaborative research project was to illuminate older  adults’ experiences of living with chronic LBP and its  implication on older adults’ daily life in Western and  Eastern cultures. 
Methods: Twenty-five older people  experiencing chronic LBP living in Switzerland or Hong Kong  were recruited through health professionals or community  centres. Using semi-structured interviews, participants  shared their experiences regarding chronic LBP and its  implications on their daily life. The interviews were  recorded and transcribed “ad verbatim” in the original  language. An inductive thematic analysis was used, using a  qualitative data analysis software program (NVivo) and a  shared code book in English. The Swiss and Hong Kong  research teams engaged in collaborative analysis until a  consensus was established, taking into consideration of  cultural specificities. Ethical approval was obtained from  the local ethic committees in both regions. 
Results:  Themes were related to negative perceptions/experiences:  (1) interferences of daily function; (2) pessimistic  attitudes toward their conditions/prognosis; and (3)  self-perceived burden related to families. Conversely, four  themes revealed attributes to social roles: (1) maintaining  their roles in families; (2) experiencing supports from  family and friends; (3) being content despite LBP; and (4)  enjoying social activities. Cultural differences between  Switzerland and Hong Kong were related to social circles  and offers from the healthcare system, influencing  individual experiences and perceptions.
Discussion:  Although chronic LBP may negatively impact older adults,  individual approaches as well as social and health system  supports influence older adults’ attitude toward their pain  and self-management strategies.},
      url = {http://arodes.hes-so.ch/record/10859},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2022.920387},
}