Reflections on World Day Against Pain: Sex and Gender Disparities in Pain
October 17 marks World Pain Day, and this year, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is focusing on the sex and gender disparity in the experience of pain. Since 2004, IASP has promoted the idea that “pain relief should be a human right,” seeking to sensitize governments and organizations to the importance of pain research and treatment globally.
The aim is to disseminate information on how these differences affect not only the perception of pain, but also the biological, psychological and sociocultural causes behind them. In addition, it is vital to address the challenges of integrating these perspectives in the diagnosis and treatment of pain.
What are Sex and Gender Biases?
These are biases that can influence medical care, favoring certain groups based on their sex or gender identity. In many patriarchal cultures, these biases tend to benefit men, while women and non-binary people are often discriminated against. These biases affect both acute (short-term) and chronic (lasting more than three months) pain, and their impact can be profound on patients’ health and well-being.
It is essential to improve the training of health professionals on this topic and to develop clinical guidelines that recognize and address these differences.
Impact of Chronic Pain
According to the Barometer of Chronic Pain in Spain 2022 published by the Grünenthal Foundation and the Pain Observatory of the University of Cadiz, around 9 million people in Spain, 25.9% of the population, suffer from chronic pain. Of these, the most affected population are people between 55 and 75 years of age, and women have a higher prevalence of the disease (30.5%) than men (21.3%).
Chronic pain can drastically affect people’s daily lives. Some of the consequences include:
- Lack of autonomy: Daily activities such as getting up or getting dressed can become a challenge. About 10.7% of patients need help with these tasks.
- Depression and anxiety: Between 22% and 27.6% of patients with chronic pain experience mental health problems.
- Work limitations: Pain can hinder the ability to work, generating economic problems.
- Mobility problems: It is essential to create personalized care plans that respond to the individual needs of each patient.
- Social isolation: Constant pain can lead patients to avoid social interactions with friends and family.
Strategies for its approach
The first and fundamental point is to be aware of the existence of this gender bias when diagnosing and treating pain, and for this a multidisciplinary approach is essential.
The Role of Nursing
The role of nurses in pain management is fundamental, since these professionals are the closest point of contact for patients and play a crucial role in the evaluation, treatment and follow-up of pain. They act as a bridge between patients, their families and the medical team, which is why it is essential to have nurses specialized in pain management. However, sex and gender differences in the experience of pain highlight the need for specific training in this area.
We must be trained to recognize how pain can vary between different genders and sexes, as well as to implement treatment strategies that consider these differences. This not only improves the quality of care we provide, but also helps to address biases that can influence healthcare, ensuring that all patients receive equitable and effective care, regardless of their gender. In this sense, continuing education on sex and gender issues becomes an essential tool to empower nursing and optimize pain management in clinical practice.
We see this reflected in a very direct way when dealing with people suffering from pelvic pain, in which empathy, closeness, respect and having specific training to address such situations, are essential to provide quality care.
Our pain units, while primarily focused on chronic pain, also treat acute pain. When designing our units, it is important to ensure that they are equipped not only with the best technology, but also with a welcoming environment that prioritizes patient well-being.
Conclusion
The commemoration of World Pain Day reminds us of the importance of recognizing and addressing sex and gender disparities in pain care. Promoting a deeper understanding of these issues is essential to providing equitable and effective treatment for all patients.
By Oscar Natoli
Director of Nursing MIVI Salud