Older age, obesity, and depression associated with chronic hip pain

In a representative sample of the German population, older age, obesity, and depressive disorder were associated with experiencing chronic hip pain.

In the Musculoskeletal Care study of 2,515 adults, 4.9 percent reported chronic hip pain and an additional 1.5 percent reported chronic hip pain that was disabling. Hip pain affected 1-5 sites in 47 percent, and was widespread (6-19 sites) in 50 percent.

Obesity and increased values on a depression scale were associated with a 2.55-times and 8.53-times higher likelihood of chronic hip pain, respectively, compared with individuals without pain. Increased values on the depression scale also increased the likelihood of experiencing disabling chronic hip pain.