Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Treatment of Chronic Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current literature on disparities in the treatment of chronic pain. METHODS: We focused on studies conducted in the United States and published from 2000 and onward. Studies of cross-sectional, longitudinal, and interventional designs were included. RESULTS: A review of the current literature revealed that an adverse association between non-White race and treatment of chronic pain is well supported. Studies have also shown that racial differences exist in the long-term monitoring for opioid misuse among patients suffering from chronic pain. In addition, a patient's sociodemographic profile appears to influence the relationship between chronic pain and quality of life. Results from interventional studies were mixed. CONCLUSIONS: Disparities exist within the treatment of chronic pain. Currently, it is unclear how to best combat these disparities. Further work is needed to understand why disparities exist and to identify points in patients' treatment when they are most vulnerable to unequal care. Such work will help guide the development and implementation of effective interventions.

Food Insecurity and Cardiovascular Health in Pregnant Women: Results From the Food for Families Program, Chelsea, Massachusetts, 2013-2015.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity, uncertainty about the ability to acquire adequate food, is associated with cardiometabolic disease in pregnant women. Whether food insecurity interventions improve cardiometabolic health is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of women who visited the obstetrics clinic in a community health center from 2013 through 2015. Patients could be referred to the Food for Families (Food for Families) program, which connects food insecure women to food resources. We hypothesized that participation in Food for Families would be associated with better blood pressure and blood glucose trends during pregnancy. We used a propensity score-matched design to reduce bias from differential entry into Food for Families. RESULTS: Eleven percent of women who visited the obstetrics clinic were referred to Food for Families. In propensity score-matched analyses, we found no difference in baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) between those who were referred and enrolled in Food for Families (113.5 mm Hg), those who were referred and did not enroll in Food for Families (113.9 mm Hg), and those who were not referred to Food for Families (114 mm Hg) (P = .79). However, during pregnancy, women who were referred to and enrolled in Food for Families had a better SBP trend (0.2015 mm Hg/wk lower, P = .006). SBP trends did not differ between women who were referred and did not enroll in Food for Families and those who were not referred. We observed no differences in blood glucose trends between groups (P = .40). CONCLUSIONS: Food for Families participation was associated with better blood pressure trends in pregnant women but no differences in blood glucose trends. Food insecurity reduction programs may improve cardiovascular health for vulnerable pregnant women, and this topic deserves further study incorporating randomized program entry.

The Relationship between Food Insecurity, Dietary Patterns, and Obesity.

Food insecurity is a major public health concern, and refers to the uncertainty, lack of, or inability to acquire nutritious food in a safe and socially acceptable manner. Food insecurity has been associated with obesity and unhealthy dietary patterns, both of which can have negative health consequences. A review of the current literature revealed an adverse association between food insecurity and dietary patterns is well supported. The association between food insecurity and obesity is strongest for women, with results for men and children being mixed. Evidence for long-term effects is limited due to a lack of longitudinal studies. Results from interventional studies have mostly yielded mixed results, and it is presently unclear how to best help food insecure individuals improve diet and weight.