How racism and discrimination affect chronic pain in older Black adults
Official title: The impact of structural racism and discrimination on chronic pain in Black or African American older adults: Biopsychosocial mechanisms
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11012878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how racism and discrimination affect chronic pain in older Black adults, aiming to find ways to help improve their pain and overall health by understanding the different factors that play a role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $657,335 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081479-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older Black or African American adults who experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Black or African American or do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of structural racism and discrimination on chronic pain experienced by older Black or African American adults. It aims to understand the psychosocial and neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to the worsening of chronic pain outcomes in this population. By examining how factors like neighborhood disadvantage and interpersonal discrimination influence pain, the study seeks to identify potential intervention targets that could improve health outcomes. The research will involve analyzing various pathways that may protect against the negative effects of these experiences on chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that improve chronic pain management and overall health for older Black adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing social determinants of health can improve health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Terry, Ellen L. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Terry, Ellen L.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.