Sex/Gender Differences in Diagnosis of Pain Among Older Medicare Beneficiaries
2024

Sex/Gender Differences in Pain Diagnosis Among Older Medicare Beneficiaries

Sample size: 3523 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Milani Sadaf, Shan Yong, Kuo Yong-Fang, Raji Mukaila

Primary Institution: The University of Texas Medical Branch

Hypothesis

The study aimed to assess the odds of having a pain diagnosis by sex/gender while considering race/ethnicity and cognitive status.

Conclusion

Women had higher odds of diagnosed pain than men, contrary to the initial hypothesis.

Supporting Evidence

  • 12.0% of participants had no pain, 4.6% had undiagnosed pain, and 83.4% had diagnosed pain.
  • Non-Hispanic Black women had lower odds of diagnosed pain compared to non-Hispanic White women.
  • Non-Hispanic White men had lower odds of any type of pain compared to non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men.

Takeaway

The study found that women are more likely to be diagnosed with pain than men, and there are differences based on race.

Methodology

The study used multinomial logistic regression models to assess pain diagnosis odds, controlling for various factors.

Limitations

The study excluded individuals with HMO and may not represent all Medicare beneficiaries.

Participant Demographics

Participants included older Medicare beneficiaries with complete enrollment data, considering factors like race/ethnicity and cognitive status.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.02

Statistical Significance

p=0.02

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1810

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