Racial and ethnic differences in experimental pain sensitivity: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: Our objective was to describe the racial and ethnic differences in experimental pain sensitivity. Four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO) were searched for studies examining racial/ethnic differences in experimental pain sensitivity. Thermal–heat, cold–pressor, pressure, ischemic, mechanical cutaneous, electrical, and chemical experimental pain modalities were assessed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guideline. Meta-analysis was used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) by pain sensitivity measures. Studies comparing African Americans (AAs) and non-Hispanic whites (NHWs) were included for meta-analyses because of high heterogeneity in other racial/ethnic group comparisons. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by subgroup analyses by sex, sample size, sample characteristics, and pain modalities. A total of 41 studies met the review criteria. Overall, AAs, Asians, and Hispanics had higher pain sensitivity compared with NHWs, particularly lower pain tolerance, higher pain ratings, and greater temporal summation of pain. Meta-analyses revealed that AAs had lower pain tolerance (SMD: −0.90, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: −1.10 to −0.70) and higher pain ratings (SMD: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30–0.69) but no significant differences in pain threshold (SMD: −0.06, 95% CI: −0.23 to 0.10) compared with NHWs. Estimates did not vary by pain modalities,...
Source: Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Tags: Comprehensive Review Source Type: research