Full Breakdown
Gaps in Veteran Pain Management Research Highlight Gender Disparities
2/23/2026, 8:16:27 PM
Critical Findings on Gender in Pain Management Research
A recent study conducted by the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans has revealed significant shortcomings in pain management research for veterans, particularly regarding the impact of sex and gender. Over two decades, not a single study examined how these factors influence treatment effectiveness. This oversight has led to generalized clinical recommendations that may not adequately address the unique needs of female and gender-diverse veterans, who experience chronic pain at higher rates than the general population. According to a 2016 study, 40% of male veterans and 50% of female veterans suffer from chronic pain, compared to 20% nationally.
Background on the Research Initiative
The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence, established in 2020 and funded by Veterans Affairs Canada, aimed to investigate the consideration of sex and gender in pain management studies. The review encompassed 21 studies on opioid and rehabilitation treatments conducted between January 2000 and February 2021. None of these studies reported how sex or gender was measured or included in their design, creating a significant gap in understanding how these factors may affect treatment outcomes.
Importance of Gender-Sensitive Approaches
Experts emphasize that sex and gender significantly influence veterans' experiences and health outcomes. Joy MacDermid, a professor at Western University, noted that equipment and treatment protocols are often designed with male veterans in mind, which can lead to injuries among female veterans. She highlighted the cultural pressures female veterans face to endure pain without seeking help, which can exacerbate their conditions.
Alice Aiken, a veteran and researcher, echoed the importance of integrating sex and gender into health-care research. She pointed out that many health-care professionals do not recognize female veterans, which can lead to inadequate care. Aiken stated, “Knowing this information gives health-care providers a fuller picture of the different exposures they have faced that could better inform diagnosis and care.”
Official Responses and Future Directions
In response to these findings, the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence has updated its research grant review process to require consideration of sex and gender in all studies. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research also mandates that applicants incorporate these factors into their research designs when appropriate.
Ramesh Zacharias, president and CEO of the Chronic Pain Centre, expressed a commitment to improving care for veterans, stating, “We know more about pain today than we did even five years ago, and we need to bring that to the bedside.”
Criticism of Current Research Practices
Critics argue that the historical exclusion of women from health-care research has led to systemic barriers, including the misdiagnosis of symptoms among female and gender-diverse veterans. MacDermid noted that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the health needs of all veterans are adequately addressed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have a moral contract with them and we haven't lived up to it.” — Ramesh Zacharias, President and CEO, Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans
- “I think anyone can intuitively understand that women and men don't have the same physiology.” — Alice Aiken, Veteran and Researcher
- “It places you at risk if you're afraid to ask for help with something because you don't want to appear weak,” — Joy MacDermid, Professor, Western University
The study's findings underscore the urgent need for a more inclusive approach to veteran health care that recognizes and addresses the distinct experiences of female and gender-diverse veterans.
