In the Journal of Pain Management Nursing, authors examined the association between pain intensity and health-related quality of life in ethnically diverse older adults. The study sample consisted of older adults with chronic pain from four ethnic groups (African Americans, Afro Caribbeans, Hispanics, and European Americans). The study found that African Americans reported the highest levels of pain intensity and the lowest mental and physical health scores. The authors suggest that understanding ethnic variations in pain intensity may address gaps in knowledge about health-related quality of life disparities. In addition, the authors suggest that healthcare providers should consider ethnic norms and cultural diversity to better provide appropriate care for older African Americans.
