Influence of Sex, Gender, and Sociodemographic Variables on Recurrent Prescription Refills for Chronic Pain: Findings from a Prescription Claims Analysis

Category	Detail
Condition	Chronic Pain
Key Mechanisms	Influence of sex, gender identity, and sociodemographic factors on medication use and prescription refills.
Target Population	Individuals living with chronic pain, particularly women and gender-diverse individuals.
Care Setting	Community pharmacies and healthcare systems in Quebec, Canada.

Chronic pain affects up to one in four individuals worldwide.
Women and gender-diverse individuals show different patterns of medication use compared to men.
Antidepressants (48%) and anticonvulsants (35%) are the most commonly prescribed medications for chronic pain.
Statistically significant differences in prescription refills were noted among various sociodemographic subgroups.
The study emphasizes the need for an equity-oriented approach to chronic pain management.

Pharmacological treatments should be weighed against potential benefits and risks for each patient.

Monitor prescription refill patterns to assess medication adherence and effectiveness.

Be aware of the side effects and challenges associated with polypharmacy in chronic pain treatment.

Individuals with chronic pain, including diverse gender identities and various sociodemographic backgrounds.

Medication use varies significantly by sex and gender, with implications for prescribing practices.

Utilize an intersectional health perspective in understanding medication use.
Incorporate sex and gender considerations into chronic pain management strategies.
Promote equitable access to effective treatments for all individuals with chronic pain.

Clinical Scorecard: Influence of Sex, Gender, and Sociodemographic Variables on Recurrent Prescription Refills for Chronic Pain: Findings from a Prescription Claims Analysis