Influence of Sex, Gender, and Sociodemographic Variables on Recurrent Prescription Refills for Chronic Pain: Findings from a Prescription Claims Analysis - Summary - MDSpire
Advertisement
Influence of Sex, Gender, and Sociodemographic Variables on Recurrent Prescription Refills for Chronic Pain: Findings from a Prescription Claims Analysis
To examine how sex, gender, and sociodemographic factors are associated with repeated prescription refills of pain medications among individuals with chronic pain.
Key Findings:
Antidepressants (48%), anticonvulsants (35%), opioids (19%), and NSAIDs (18%) were the most commonly prescribed medications, with significant differences noted between subgroups.
Women with private drug insurance had lower odds of repeated opioid refills (aOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15–0.95) compared to their male counterparts.
Unemployed older men had lower odds of repeated antidepressant refills (aOR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24–0.87) compared to unemployed women.
Interpretation:
Sex, gender, and intersecting sociodemographic factors significantly influence prescription refill patterns for chronic pain medications.
Limitations:
The study is limited to individuals with chronic pain and may not generalize to other populations.
Data is based on self-reports and prescription claims, which may not capture all medication use and could introduce bias.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the need for an equity-oriented approach in chronic pain management, highlighting how sex, gender, and sociodemographic factors significantly influence medication use.
Older patients with documented cognitive impairment also experienced greater postoperative functional decline following elective total knee arthroplasty
