Recommended Citation
Siddiqui A, Guerra Branger A, Diaz Morales S, Knezevic N. The Impact of Race on Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Treatment Strategies. Presented at Scientific Day; May 21, 2025; Park Ridge, IL.
Abstract
Background/Significance:
Recent research suggests that there is a disparity in the management of chronic pain in different races, particularly in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) groups. Other findings suggest differences in pain prevalence and responses to acute and chronic pain among these groups.
Purpose:
This study examines the demographic and clinical characteristics of pain management among different racial groups.
Methods:
A total of 1,662 patients in the Chicagoland area were analyzed to determine variations in pain intensity, duration, type of pain, and treatment modalities. These patients were followed for a minimum of one year and had at least four different clinic appointments. Participants were subcategorized based on race. We collected variables such as age, Body Mass Index (BMI), duration of pain, pre-visit and post-visit pain rating on a numeric rating scale, location of pain, type of intervention received and use of different pain medications. We used IBM SPSS 27 to perform statistical analysis; data were analyzed using ANOVA, X2 and correlation analysis.
Results:
Of the 1,662 participants in this study, 47.8% identified as White, non-Hispanic; 32.6% identified as White- Hispanic and 19.6% identified as Black. Significant differences in mean age and BMI were observed across groups. The Black population reported a higher average age and BMI measurement (p=0.012 and p< 0.001, respectively). Low back pain was the most prevalent condition across all groups, particularly among Black patients (70.6%, p=0.005). Treatment strategies also varied significantly; steroid injections were most used, again especially among Black patients (90%, p< 0.001). Gabapentin and opioids were more frequently prescribed to White-Hispanic and Black patients compared to White, non-Hispanic patients (p< 0.001). These two populations also reported higher NSAID use than the White, non-Hispanic population (p=0.041).
Conclusion:
Pain assessment and management can be challenging due to its subjective nature. Its assessment and management require an organized and effective communication strategy between patients and their providers. Our findings highlight disparities in pain management approaches and outcomes across different racial and ethnic groups. Further studies should focus on overcoming these obstacles and a need for tailored pain management strategies.
Presentation Notes
Presented at Scientific Day; May 21, 2025; Park Ridge, IL.
Full Text of Presentation
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Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
The Impact of Race on Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Treatment Strategies
Background/Significance:
Recent research suggests that there is a disparity in the management of chronic pain in different races, particularly in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) groups. Other findings suggest differences in pain prevalence and responses to acute and chronic pain among these groups.
Purpose:
This study examines the demographic and clinical characteristics of pain management among different racial groups.
Methods:
A total of 1,662 patients in the Chicagoland area were analyzed to determine variations in pain intensity, duration, type of pain, and treatment modalities. These patients were followed for a minimum of one year and had at least four different clinic appointments. Participants were subcategorized based on race. We collected variables such as age, Body Mass Index (BMI), duration of pain, pre-visit and post-visit pain rating on a numeric rating scale, location of pain, type of intervention received and use of different pain medications. We used IBM SPSS 27 to perform statistical analysis; data were analyzed using ANOVA, X2 and correlation analysis.
Results:
Of the 1,662 participants in this study, 47.8% identified as White, non-Hispanic; 32.6% identified as White- Hispanic and 19.6% identified as Black. Significant differences in mean age and BMI were observed across groups. The Black population reported a higher average age and BMI measurement (p=0.012 and p< 0.001, respectively). Low back pain was the most prevalent condition across all groups, particularly among Black patients (70.6%, p=0.005). Treatment strategies also varied significantly; steroid injections were most used, again especially among Black patients (90%, p< 0.001). Gabapentin and opioids were more frequently prescribed to White-Hispanic and Black patients compared to White, non-Hispanic patients (p< 0.001). These two populations also reported higher NSAID use than the White, non-Hispanic population (p=0.041).
Conclusion:
Pain assessment and management can be challenging due to its subjective nature. Its assessment and management require an organized and effective communication strategy between patients and their providers. Our findings highlight disparities in pain management approaches and outcomes across different racial and ethnic groups. Further studies should focus on overcoming these obstacles and a need for tailored pain management strategies.
Affiliations
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center