NIH grant supports research on racial disparities in comorbid chronic pain, depression

Researchers in Indiana have received $1.5 million in grant funding from the NIH HEAL Initiative to address racial disparities in chronic pain and depression, according to a press release.

The funds will go toward the Equity Using Interventions for Pain and Depression (EQUIPD) study, which is a two-phase project being done by researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute in Indianapolis.

In the first phase of EQUIPD, patients will engage in one-on-one coaching to help them identify their treatment goals and seek nonpharmacological treatment options for their chronic pain, according to the release.

“We want to empower minoritized patients to take more control of their chronic pain so they can effectively partner with their health care providers to manage their care,” Marianne Matthias, PhD, senior research professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, said in the release. “We want to make sure they are aware of the different options available and equip them with the tools they need to take advantage of those options collaboratively with their primary care provider.”

EQUIPD’s second phase will consist of a randomized trial, with the goal of expanding the intervention from the individual level to the level of clinics and health care systems, according to the release.

“We hope to ultimately make a meaningful impact on people’s pain management and quality of life,” Matthias said in the release.