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. 2023 Oct;28(7):1053-1068.
doi: 10.1080/13557858.2023.2208315. Epub 2023 May 3.

The impact of ethnic discrimination on chronic pain: the role of sex and depression

Akeesha Simmons  1 , Alicia Vasquez  1 , Kaylie Green  1 , Michael Christopher  1 , Dana Dharmakaya Colgan  2
Affiliations

The impact of ethnic discrimination on chronic pain: the role of sex and depression

Akeesha Simmons et al. Ethn Health. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

ABSTRACTPerceived ethnic discrimination (PED) is predictive of chronic pain-related outcomes. Less is known about pathways through which these constructs interact. The goal of this study was to test whether PED was predictive of chronic pain-related outcomes (pain interference, pain intensity, and symptoms related to central sensitization), whether depression mediated the relationship between PED and pain outcomes, and if these relationships were maintained across sex in a sample of racially and ethnically minoritized adults (n = 77). PED significantly predicted pain interference, pain intensity, and symptoms related to central sensitization. Sex accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in pain interference only. Depression explained the relationship between PED and pain interference and pain intensity. Sex moderated the indirect pathway, such that for men, the relationship between PED and pain interference and pain intensity was explained via depression. Depression partially explained the relationship between PED and symptoms related to central sensitization. Sex did not moderate this mediational effect. This study provided a unique contribution to the pain literature by providing a contextual analysis of PED and pain. Addressing and validating experiences of lifetime discrimination may be a clinically relevant tool in the management of chronic pain for of racially and ethnically minoritized adults.

Keywords: Chronic pain; Depression; Ethnic discrimination; Health disparities; Sex.

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Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
Sex moderates the Relationship between Perceived Ethnic Discrimination and Pain Interference
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
Pain Interference Moderated Meditation
Figure 3:
Figure 3:
Pain Intensity Moderated Meditation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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