Presenter(s):

Pradnya Diggikar, Dr D.Y Patil Hospital, Pune, India

Abstract

Background:
Significant disparities exist in the prevalence of chronic pain between genders, with females consistently reporting higher rates compared to their male counterparts. These disparities are primarily linked to the biological and physiological characteristics of females. However, there is a notable lack of exploration regarding disparities in treatment, particularly among middle-aged and older adults in India.
Objective: The study aims to assess the prevalence of chronic pain and its treatment, focusing on the differences between genders.
Methods and Materials:
The present study used data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), conducted in 2017-2018. LASI is a nationally representative, prospective cohort study that surveyed adults aged 45 years and above and their spouses, regardless of age.
Findings:
Females (41.81%; 95% CI: 39.99 – 43.62) exhibit a notably higher chronic pain prevalence than males (29.54%; 95% CI: 28.05 – 31.02), regardless of other contributing factors. This discrepancy may arise from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social differences between the genders. Surprisingly, only three-fourths of women experiencing chronic pain receive any form of treatment, including analgesics (Oral/ Injectable), therapy, or external (Ointment, cream, gel, balm, spray, oil, etc.) interventions, and this figure is even lower among men (69.95%; 95% CI: 68.16 – 71.74). These findings underscore the presence of biases within the healthcare system, potentially perpetuating disparities in pain management.
Conclusion:
Our study sheds light on the significant disparities in the prevalence and treatment of chronic pain between middle-aged and older adults in India, with women consistently reporting higher rates compared to men. Moreover, there are existing biases within the healthcare system that may contribute to the under-treatment of chronic pain, thereby perpetuating gender-based disparities in pain management. Addressing these biases and improving access to effective pain management strategies for all individuals, irrespective of their gender, is imperative to enhance the quality of life for middle-aged and older adults experiencing chronic pain in India.

Bio(s):

Amit K. Goyal is a Senior Research Fellow at the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), India, specializing in quantitative research and analysis using large-scale datasets. With a strong academic background in Geography and a focus on population dynamics, he has developed expertise in major demographic issues such as health and aging. Driven by his passion for making a positive impact in the world, Amit channels his analytical skills towards generating data-driven insights and conducting evidence-based research.
Currently, he is actively engaged in the field of Geriatric Health, aiming to address the challenges associated with an aging population and promote better health outcomes.
Through his commitment to impactful research and a desire to
bridge the gap between academia and policymaking, Amit aspires to shape policies and interventions that positively impact society.