Understanding why racial and ethnic minorities use non-drug treatments for back pain less often
Official title: Unraveling Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Non-Pharmacologic Approaches for Medicaid Patients with Back Pain
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10905501 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how different groups of people on Medicaid in Oregon can access treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care for back pain, to find out what makes it easier or harder for them to get these services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 27, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $236,806 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AT012842-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10905501 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Medicaid patients aged 21 and older who identify as Black or Hispanic and have experienced back pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or Hispanic or those who do not have back pain may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the disparities in access to non-pharmacologic therapies, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care, for back pain among Medicaid patients in Oregon. By analyzing seven years of electronic health records and conducting interviews with patients and medical directors, the study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators that affect the use of these treatments among different racial and ethnic groups. The findings will help to understand how referral practices and patient experiences vary, ultimately aiming to improve access to care for underrepresented populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to effective non-drug treatments for back pain among racial and ethnic minorities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing disparities in healthcare access can lead to improved outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choo, Esther K — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Choo, Esther K
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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.