Pharmacological Prescribing and Satisfaction with Pain Treatment Among Non-Hispanic Black Men with Chronic Pain

Pharmacological strategies are often central to chronic pain management; however, pain treatment among non-Hispanic Black men may differ because of their disease profiles and healthcare interactions. However, less is known about pain medication prescribing and patients' satisfaction with pain treatment and management among non-Hispanic Black men with self-reported chronic pain.

This study assessed factors associated with non-Hispanic Black men being prescribed/recommended narcotics/opioids for chronic pain and their satisfaction with pain treatment/management.

Data were analyzed from 286 non-Hispanic Black men with chronic pain who completed an internet-delivered questionnaire. Participants were recruited nationwide using a Qualtrics web-based panel. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with being prescribed/recommended narcotics/opioids for pain management treatment. Then, ordinary least squares regression was used to identify factors associated with their satisfaction level with the pain treatment/management received.

On average, participants were 56.2 years old and 48.3% were prescribed/recommended narcotics/opioids for chronic pain. Men with more chronic conditions (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.57, P = 0.043) and depression/anxiety disorders (OR = 0.53, P = 0.029) were less likely to be prescribed/recommended narcotics/opioids. Men who were more educated (OR = 2.09, P = 0.044), reported more frequent chronic pain (OR = 1.28, P = 0.007), and were allowed to participate more in decisions about their pain treatment/management (OR = 1.11, P = 0.029) were more likely to be prescribed/recommended narcotics/opioids. On average, men with more frequent chronic pain (B = -0.25, P = 0.015) and pain problems (B = -0.16, P = 0.009) were less satisfied with their pain treatment/management. Men who were allowed to participate more in decisions about their pain treatment/management reported higher satisfaction with their pain treatment/management (B = 0.55, P < 0.001).

Playing an active role in pain management can improve non-Hispanic Black men's satisfaction with pain treatment/management. This study illustrates the importance of patient-centered approaches and inclusive patient-provider interactions to improve chronic pain management.