Study Suggests Chronic Pain Inclusion in Heat Advisories

Why it matters locally: The findings of this study could inform how public health messaging for extreme weather events is developed by agencies across Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia Fire Department and South Park Health Care, to better protect residents living with chronic pain, particularly in rural areas.

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A new study indicates that chronic pain should factor into how authorities prepare the public for extreme weather events. The research also shows that rural residents may have less protection from these conditions. Investigators from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB) conducted the study. Their findings appear in the journal *Pain Medicine*. Dr. Annemarie Flood, a UCSF postdoctoral scholar and lead author, stated, "We find chronic pain to be an important comorbidity in understanding climate vulnerability." She noted that many individuals living with chronic pain already face disproportionate climate threats. Dr. Robert Boss, a UAB assistant professor and senior author, highlighted a potential gap in current public health messaging. "Many sources tell us how to prepare for heat emergencies. These messages tell us to check on our elderly neighbors, or those with asthma, or pregnant people," Boss said. "Chronic pain is not mentioned. Our results suggest it should be." The study utilized data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey. This survey provided a nationally representative sample of adults living in households. The researchers found that individuals with chronic pain were more likely to report limited access to resources. These resources included air conditioning, transportation, and health care services. Those with chronic pain were also less likely to receive warnings about extreme weather. Rural residents with chronic pain showed the most significant resource limitations. Flood explained, "Rural residents face unique health inequities already. They have worse health outcomes and less access to care. Chronic pain compounds these risks when combined with extreme weather threats." Boss emphasized the need for targeted interventions. "Many public health campaigns focus on specific populations. Adding chronic pain to these campaigns could improve the safety of a large number of people who are likely overlooked," he concluded.