The Association Between Back Pain, Depression, and Quality of Life Among Older Adults Living with HIV in Rural Areas of the United States.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess prevalence of back pain among older people living with HIV (PLH) in rural areas of the United States (US); compare the presence of comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, and sociodemographic factors among older PLH in rural areas of the US with and without back pain; and examine the associations between back pain, depression, and QOL among older PLH in rural areas of the US.

Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected among US rural dwelling PLH of at least 50 years of age. Multiple logistic regression was performed to examine the association between back pain and depression. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the association between back pain and QOL.

Results: A total of 38.8% () of participants self-reported back pain. PLH with back pain were more likely to have depression (60.87%, ). PLH with back pain had lower mean QOL scores (53.01 ± 18.39). Back pain was associated with greater odds of having depression (OR 1.61 [CI 0.99-2.61],  = .054) and was significantly associated with lower QOL ( < .001).

Conclusions: Prevention strategies to reduce back pain and poor HIV outcomes among PLH living in rural areas of the US are needed.