Outside Factors Worsen Chronic Pain Outcomes in Young Patients

The present study evaluated how household income, health insurance status, barriers to health care, neighborhood and school safety, violence experienced, and neighborhood isolation all may negatively impact outcomes in pediatric patients with chronic pain. Researchers assessed data from the Add Health Study to determine any correlations between demographics, risk factors, chronic pain, and long-term health outcomes. Compared to young patients without, those with chronic pain had more barriers to health care, concerns regarding safety, and experience with violence, as well as lower income. The following risk factors were significantly associated with chronic pain: female sex; white race; and increased health care barriers, concerns for safety, and exposure to violence.

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