American Pain Society's 27th Annual Scientific Meeting (May 8 – 10, 2008): How Race and Ethnicity Shape the Experience of Pain across the Lifespan: Findings from Clinical and Experimental Settings

Ethnic differences in clinical and experimental pain responses have been well-documented; however, few studies have examined ethnic differences across the lifespan. Therefore, this symposium will present new data regarding ethnic differences in pain responses across multiple age groups. Dr. Lu will present both experimental and epidemiological data regarding ethnic differences in pain among healthy children and childhood cancer survivors. She will discuss the findings from psychosocial and cultural perspectives. Dr. Hastie will examine ethnic differences in experimental and clinical pain sensitivity among young adults. Genetic influences on pain and side effects will be explored, and the implications of these findings for improving treatment in underserved populations will be discussed. Dr. Baker will address aging and pain in ethnically diverse populations, examining differences within and across groups. She will also present findings from clinical and community-based settings to illustrate the influence of sociocultural and psychosocial factors on pain in older adults. Dr. Edwards will provide an overview of disparities in pain. He will address the value of considering pain across the life span with the overlay of culture, race and ethnicity. In this context, he will present additional findings on disparities as he discusses the overall implications for research and practice.