Differences in Psychosocial Factors and Experimental Pain Sensitivity Between Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites from the U.S.-Mexico Border

Abstract

Purpose Research suggests that ethnicity is a predictor of pain-related outcomes; however, studies comparing the differences in experimental pain sensitivity between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) are scarce. This study investigated these differences between Hispanics and NHW from the U.S- Mexico border. Methods Fifty-eight healthy subjects completed the survey packet, which included a demographic and a psychosocial factors questionnaire. Participants underwent quantitative sensory testing which included heat pain threshold, heat pain tolerance, Suprathreshold Heat Pain Response (SHPR), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). SHPR was induced by repeated thermal stimuli in both thenar eminences. CPM was assessed using SHPR as the experimental stimulus, and cold pressor task as the conditioning stimulus. Results Analyses showed significant differences in experimental pain measures believed to be representative of facilitatory pain processing including SHPR, and heat pain threshold, where Hispanics reported significantly higher pain ratings than NHW. Hispanics also reported higher levels of ethnic identity and acculturation. However, these factors were not significantly associated with experimental pain sensitivity. Conclusion The experimental pain sensitivity and psychosocial factors included in this study differed by ethnic group, where Hispanics reported significantly higher pain ratings, when compared to NHW. However, ethnic identity and acculturation were not associated with these pain-related outcomes. Overall, enhanced understanding by clinicians of pain sensitivity and disparities in the pain experience between ethnic groups allows for increased cultural sensitivity and can be used to optimize pain treatment on an individual-by-individual basis

Cultural Framing and the Impact On Acute Pain and Pain Services

“…A few studies have applied standardized pain stimuli to groups of individuals from different ethnic backgrounds [ 25 - 27 ]. In these studies, Hispanics had a lower pain threshold than Whites suggesting that Hispanics may be sensitive to pain than Whites [ 25 , 27 ].…”

“…A few studies have applied standardized pain stimuli to groups of individuals from different ethnic backgrounds [ 25 - 27 ]. In these studies, Hispanics had a lower pain threshold than Whites suggesting that Hispanics may be sensitive to pain than Whites [ 25 , 27 ]. Interestingly, the threshold for heat as a painful stimulus did not differ between groups, while the intensity rating on a pain scale for the same stimulus showed differences—suggesting that the perception or rating of pain differed between the groups [ 25 ].…”

“…In these studies, Hispanics had a lower pain threshold than Whites suggesting that Hispanics may be sensitive to pain than Whites [ 25 , 27 ]. Interestingly, the threshold for heat as a painful stimulus did not differ between groups, while the intensity rating on a pain scale for the same stimulus showed differences—suggesting that the perception or rating of pain differed between the groups [ 25 ]. In another study, comparing international participants (Italians, Swedes and Saudis), Italian women had the highest pain score of all these groups – again revealing biological or cultural differences in either the perception or reporting of pain [ 26 ].…”