Advancing health equity: Research targets osteoarthritis pain management in Hispanic population
The College of Nursing is pleased to announce an advancement in osteoarthritis (OA) research led by Chiyoung Lee, PhD, RN, assistant professor. Lee has received a grant through U of A’s RII Core Facilities Pilot Program to study ethnic disparities in pain experiences related to knee OA. Her research, titled "Racial Disparities in Pain Experiences Between Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites with Knee Osteoarthritis: Biopsychosocial and Neurological Mechanisms," aims to break new ground in chronic disease research by examining the unique biological, psychological, neurological, and social factors that influence pain perception and management among Hispanic populations.
Lee, who joined the College of Nursing in Spring 2024, brings extensive experience in chronic disease research and biostatistics. Her work addresses a critical gap in the management of OA pain, especially for Hispanic individuals who are often underrepresented in clinical research. Knee OA is the most common joint disease, affecting over 80% of people aged 55 and older, significantly impacting their quality of life. However, research rarely focuses on ethnic differences in pain perception and underlying mechanisms. Lee's project is one of the first to investigate this area, promising to provide valuable insights into ethnic disparities in pain perception and treatment.
Lee’s research is a collaborative effort involving an interdisciplinary team. She works alongside specialists from various fields, including Rheumatology in the College of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering, the College of Public Health, and her colleagues in the College of Nursing. This teamwork, which features contributions from Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing, and Juyoung Park, PhD, M.S.W., professor, highlights the college’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and health equity, particularly for underserved communities.
“Lee’s project exemplifies the kind of research we are proud to support at the college,” said Ahn. “By exploring the unique experiences of Hispanic individuals with knee OA, this study will enhance our understanding of how diverse populations experience and manage pain, contributing to more personalized and equitable healthcare.”
Sheila M. Gephart, PhD, RN, FAAN, interim chair of the Advanced Nursing Practice and Science Division, states, “Dr. Lee’s dedication to understanding the specific pain experiences of Hispanic individuals with OA reflects the college’s commitment to addressing real-world health inequities. Her research not only enhances our scientific knowledge but also has the potential to transform pain management practices by respecting cultural diversity. This project is a crucial step toward developing care that is both comprehensive and inclusive.”
The findings from Lee’s study are highly anticipated. By incorporating diverse cultural and ethnic perspectives, her research is expected to improve care for Hispanic communities and advance OA research. Her work represents a significant step toward health equity, with the potential to enhance pain management practices and overall quality of life for underrepresented populations experiencing chronic pain in Arizona and beyond.