Culturally tailored pain management for Black elders

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to address chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) in Black elders by testing a culturally congruent pain self-management intervention. It will enroll 120 participants aged 50-92 who self-identify as Black or African American and experience CMP. The intervention includes education on pain self-management, a resource toolkit, active prayer skills, and financial counseling to help participants navigate their healthcare benefits. The primary outcome measured will be movement-evoked pain (MEP) over a 3-year period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Self-identify as being part of the Black American diaspora (Black/African American, Afro-Caribbean)
2. Age 50-92 years
3. Self-report chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) as defined as persistent or recurrent pain lasting 6 months or longer that arises as part of a disease or injurious process directly affecting bone(s), joint(s), muscle(s), or related soft tissue(s)
4. Self-report a chronic musculoskeletal condition (e.g., osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain) in at least one lower extremity joint (hip, knee, low back, or ankle pain)
5. Report chronic musculoskeletal symptoms: aching, stiffness, or swelling in a major lower extremity joint or low back on most days (4-5/7) of the week
6. Have (or be eligible for) a healthcare insurance plan in the state of Florida (Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage plans, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Humana, Aetna, etc.)
7. Able to read, write, and understand English at sixth-grade level

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unwilling to be randomized to either study arm
2. Self-reported diagnosis of sickle cell disease or related thalassemias
3. History of major neurological event (e.g., stroke) or current neurological disease (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy)
4. Major cardiovascular problem in the past 6 months that would cause shortness of breath and/or chest pain (e.g. myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, or valve replacement, pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis) or uncontrolled Hypertension (Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) \> 170 mmHg, Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) \> 90 mmHg) OR Hypotension (SBP \<90 mmHg, DBP \<60 mmHg)
5. Currently undergoing curative or palliative chemotherapy or radiation for active cancer
6. Severe physical impairment (e.g., a major activity of daily living disability requiring use of wheelchair as primary method of mobility, or unable to dress, bath, use the toilet, or transfer independently)
7. Serious mental health disorder requiring hospitalization within past 12 months
8. Severe sensory deficit (severe hearing loss or blindness)

Where it's running

• University of Florida
  Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Staja Q Booker, PhD, RN — University of Florida
• Study coordinator: Staja Q Booker, PhD, RN
• Email: bookers@ufl.edu
• Phone: 352-273-6351

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.