OBJECTIVES : Perceived health status is an important predictor of healthcare service utilization and morbidity and mortality in the United States (US). However, little is known about the variables associated with perceived health status among older US adults with pain. The study objectives were to determine significant predictors of good perceived health status among US older adults with self-reported pain.

METHODS : This retrospective, cross-sectional study utilized 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data and included individuals who were alive, aged ≥50 years, and had self-reported pain in the last four weeks. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to identify significant predictors of good (versus poor) perceived health status. Nationally representative (weighted) estimates were obtained while maintaining the structure of the complex MEPS design. An a priori alpha level of 0.05 was used.

RESULTS : From a population of 57,134,711 individuals, 73.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]=71.7%-75.1%) reported good perceived health status and 26.6% (95% CI=24.9%-28.3%) reported poor perceived health status. Variables associated with greater odds of reporting good health status included: excellent/very good/good vs. fair/poor perceived mental health (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=7.880, 95% CI=6.085-10.206), little/moderate vs. quite/extreme pain (AOR=2.673, 95% CI=2.162-3.304), <5 vs. ≥5 chronic conditions (AOR=2.045, 95% CI=1.634-2.564), no functional limitation vs. functional limitation (AOR=1.742, 95% CI=1.377-2.203), no work limitation vs. work limitation (AOR=1.715, 95% CI=1.357-2.169), exercise vs. no exercise (AOR=1.698, 95% CI=1.411-2.042), non-Hispanic vs. Hispanic ethnicity (AOR=1.658, 95% CI=1.230-2.242), education more than high school vs. up to and including high school (AOR=1.340, 95% CI=1.098-1.637), middle/high vs. poor/near poor/low income (AOR=1.287, 95% CI=1.040-1.595), and non-smokers vs. smokers (AOR=1.287, 95% CI=1.033-1.605).

CONCLUSIONS : Approximately 42 million of the 57 million US older adults with self-reported pain reported good perceived health. Several variables were significant predictors of good perceived health. These variables may be investigated to improve pain management outcomes and perceived health status among US older adults.