The Imperative for Racial Equality in Pain Science: A Way Forward

Overview

Journal J Pain

Specialties Neurology
Psychiatry

Date 2021 Jul 2

PMID 34214701

Citations 17

Authors

Staja Q Booker

Emily J Bartley

Keesha Powell-Roach

Shreela Palit

Calia Morais

Osheeca J Thompson

Yenisel Cruz-Almeida

Roger B Fillingim

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Racial equity is imperative to the future and integrity of scientific inquiry. In 2020, citizens of the United States (and globally) witnessed one of the most vile and egregious experiences of police brutality and systemic racism in recent history, the public execution of a Black American man. While some may isolate this and other similar events from influencing the scientific endeavors of pain researchers, events such as this can have a direct impact on the study, lived experience, and expression of pain in Black Americans. To truly understand the biopsychosocial effects of inequality and injustice on pain disparities, we must consider the unintended consequences that our current research approaches have in limiting the reliability and validity of scientific discovery. As we reflect on our current research practices in an effort to improve pain science, this perspective article discusses ways to initiate positive change in order to advance the science of pain in more equitable ways, not just for Black Americans, but for all individuals that identify as part of an underrepresented group. PERSPECTIVE: Elimination of inequities in pain care and research requires the identification, naming, and mitigation of systemic discriminatory and biased practices that limit our understanding of pain disparities. Now is the time to divest from traditional research methods and invest in equitable and innovative approaches to support pain researchers in advancing the science and improving the lives of people with pain.

Citing Articles

Achieving Chronic Care Equity by Leveraging the Telehealth Ecosystem (ACCTIVATE): A Multilevel Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.

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A systematic review of in-person versus remotely delivered interventions for youth with chronic pain.

MacKenzie N, Marbil M, Soltani S, Lorenzetti D, Birnie K Paediatr Neonatal Pain. 2024; 6(2):35-43.

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Longitudinal Associations of Family Relationship Quality With Chronic Pain Incidence and Persistence Among Aging African Americans.

Woods S, Roberson P, Booker Q, Wood B, Booker S J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2024; 79(7).

PMID: 38767217 PMC: 11161900. DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae064.

Secondary analysis: heat and self-report pain sensitivity associate with biological sex and racialized sociocultural group but may not be mediated by anxiety or pain catastrophizing.

Meeker T, Kim H, Tulloch I, Keaser M, Seminowicz D, Dorsey S Pain Rep. 2024; 9(1):e1133.

PMID: 38283650 PMC: 10811695. DOI: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000001133.

Broadening the Scope of Resilience in Chronic Pain: Methods, Social Context, and Development.

Sturgeon J, Zubieta C, Kaplan C, Pierce J, Arewasikporn A, Slepian P Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2024; 26(4):112-123.

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