The association between depressive symptoms and unmet healthcare needs among older adults with chronic back pain: A population-based cohort study using CLSA data

Project Summary

Chronic back pain is common among older adults and can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life. Many older adults also experience depressive symptoms, which may further impact their ability to access healthcare services. Despite Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system, some individuals still report unmet healthcare needs. This study will use data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) to examine how often unmet healthcare needs occur among older adults with chronic back pain and to understand whether depressive symptoms increase the risk of experiencing these unmet needs. By identifying higher-risk groups, this research will help inform healthcare planning and improve access to care for older Canadians living with chronic back pain.