Latinos Underrepresented in Clinical Trials on Chronic Pain

Share On Social!

Latinos and other group that experience health disparities are frequently underrepresented in spine pain clinical trials, according to an analysis from eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

The study, published by National Institute of Health and funded by the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health, found a lack of participation among racial/ethnic populations and other minority groups.

Let’s look further into the data and how it impacts Latinos.

Representation in Clinical Trials on Spinal Pain

The analysis points out that, while RCTs are considered the gold standard study design for evaluating treatment effectiveness, they can suffer from generalizability issues.

In other words, the findings of these studies can’t be generalized to the U.S. population because the study participants do not reflect the U.S. population.

“The generalizability of RCT populations is important because it potentially limits the applicability of RCT findings to influence clinical practice and policy,” according to the analysis.

To assess the representativeness of participants in RCTs for spinal pain (i.e., back and/or neck pain), researchers analyzed eight RCTs involving a combined 1,444 participants conducted between 1994 and 2012 in the U.S. on spinal manipulation for chronic spine pain.

The trials disproportionately included more White participants (8.5% more), while having fewer participants from Asian or Pacific Islander (1% less), Black (7.3% less), and Latino (8% less) backgrounds.

“The analysis revealed significant underrepresentation of health disparity populations, including racial and ethnic minority groups, less educated individuals, and the unemployed, in the RCTs compared with the U.S. population with spine pain,” according to the analysis.

Latinos and Chronic Pain

The analysis highlighted low-back pain as a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Research shows that Latinos experience disparities in chronic pain management.

“They are less likely to be prescribed pharmacologic therapies, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids. Hispanic and Latino/Latinx patients are also less likely to receive spinal cord stimulators and may be charged higher costs for them,” according to a 2024 study.

Similarly, less is known about Latinos pain experience, including potential disparities in pain treatment.

“Hispanic Americans tend to be more sensitive to pain than Whites. Yet Hispanic Americans report fewer pain conditions such as back pain and arthritis on surveys or questionnaires,” according to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

With chronic pain impacting Latinos in this way, it’s crucial for the Latino population to be represented in these kinds of clinical trials.

“Additional research is urgently needed in order to understand the full extent of these disparities and develop solutions to provide more equitable care,” according to the 2024 study.

Representation in Clinical Research

While the Latino population in the US continues to grow, very few participate in clinical trials.

Clinical trials are studies with volunteers that help researchers learn how to slow, manage, and treat different diseases, such as chronic pain or cancer.

Barriers can prevent trial participation, including a lack access, lack of awareness, and fear and distrust in clinical trials.

Participating in clinical research can benefit Latinos and other patients of color, being the most safe, rigorous way of testing for new, potentially more effective disease treatments.

“To achieve equitable participation of Latinos and other underrepresented groups in clinical research, we need comprehensive approaches that address social and contextual barriers to participation,” said Dr. Amelie Ramirez, director of the Salud America! program at the Institute of Health Promote Research at UT Health San Antonio.

Take for example, Leonel Rodriguez, who participated in a clinical trial after being diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma – an aggressive, rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“If [others] have my same kind of cancer, take it. Take this trial. It’s good, it’s been very good for me,” Rodriguez said.

You too, can be like Rodriguez!

Browse through Salud America!’s clinical trial page to find more heroes like Leonel and find opportunities to participate in future to benefit you or someone in your familia or community.

“Latinos are in clinical trials are not only helping themselves, but they are also building a future with better treatments that can help their families and communities,” Ramirez said.

Those looking for opportunities based in San Antonio can search the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio’s Find a Clinical Trial database to learn more about available clinical trials and eligibility requirements.

On a national level, visit clinicaltrials.gov to find a clinical trial near you.

find a clinical trial!