Which factor most negatively influences a patient's chance of receiving a referral for pain management?

Ethnicity is recognized as a significant factor that can negatively influence a patient's access to healthcare services, including referrals for pain management. Research has demonstrated disparities in the treatment of pain based on ethnic backgrounds. Patients from certain ethnic groups often face biases and stereotypes that can lead to inadequate pain assessment and management. These biases may manifest in healthcare providers' perceptions and treatment decisions, ultimately affecting the likelihood of receiving appropriate referrals for pain management services.

In contrast, age, diagnosis, and pain level may influence treatment aspects but do not carry the same societal implications and biases associated with ethnicity. While these factors are important in understanding a patient's healthcare needs, they do not typically lead to the same level of discrepancy in referral practices as seen with ethnic disparities. This highlights the critical need for awareness and addressing biases in healthcare to ensure equitable pain management for all patients, regardless of their ethnic background.