Treatment Disparities Among the Black Population and Their Influence on the Equitable Management of Chronic Pain

Abstract

Introduction: Growing evidence suggests disparities in the prevalence, management, progression, and outcomes of chronic, nonmalignant pain-related conditions, especially for African American patients. Objective: The purpose of this review is to explore studied causative factors that influence the management of chronic pain among African Americans, including factors that result in disparate care that may contribute to unfavorable outcomes. Methods: This narrative review is based on available literature published on this topic published within the last 10 years. Results: Assessment of chronic pain is multifaceted, often complicated by patient medical comorbidities and a complex set of biopsychosocial/spiritual/financial and legal determinants. These complexities are further exacerbated by a patient's race, by provider bias, and by structural barriers-all intersecting and culminating in disparate outcomes. Conclusions: A comprehensive analysis is needed to identify quality improvement interventions and to mitigate major barriers contributing to disparities in the management of chronic pain in the African American population.

Keywords: chronic pain; health disparities; pain management; racial minority.