A recent study by the National Center for Health Statistics has shed light on the prevalence of chronic pain among US adults, uncovering significant disparities across different racial and ethnic groups. The 2023 National Health Interview Survey data reveals that 24.3% of US adults experienced chronic pain in the previous three months, with 8.5% reporting high-impact chronic pain.
High-impact chronic pain, defined as pain that frequently limits life or work activities, disproportionately affects certain populations. This severe form of chronic pain can significantly reduce quality of life and productivity, making it a critical public health concern.
The findings highlight alarming health inequities, particularly among American Indian and Alaska Native non-Hispanic adults. This group reported a substantially higher rate of chronic pain at 30.7%, compared to 11.8% for Asian non-Hispanic and 17.1% for Hispanic adults. These disparities underscore the urgent need for targeted healthcare interventions and pain management strategies for underserved communities.
Age emerged as a significant factor, with both chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain prevalence increasing among older adults. Women were also more likely than men to experience chronic pain, pointing to potential gender-based differences in pain perception or treatment.
Geographic location played a role as well, with the percentage of adults experiencing chronic and high-impact chronic pain increasing as urbanization levels decreased. This trend suggests possible disparities in access to pain management resources between urban and rural areas.
The study’s authors, Jacqueline W. Lucas and Inderbir Sohi, emphasize that these disparities extend to high-impact chronic pain, which disproportionately affects women, American Indian and Alaska Native adults, and those aged 65 and older.
As the nation grapples with these health inequities, the findings call for a reevaluation of pain management approaches and healthcare policies to ensure equitable care across all demographic groups, with particular attention to those most affected by high-impact chronic pain.
See “24.3 Percent of US Adults Reported Chronic Pain in 2023” (November 25, 2024)
