Racial disparities exist in how children are treated for moderate and severe pain.
Several studies have documented racial inequality in pain treatment among hospitalized adults. However, according to findings from a recent study (JAMA Pediatr Sep 14, 2015. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.1915 [Epub ahead of print]), black children are less likely to receive any pain medication for moderate pain or opioids for severe pain.
Using data from the National Hospital Ambulatory