Health Disparities in Multiple Sclerosis among Hispanic and Black Populations in the United States

Authors

Michael Z Moore
Carlos A Pérez
George J Hutton
Hemali Patel
Fernando X Cuascut

Publication Date

4-20-2023

Journal

Biomedicine

DOI

10.3390/biomedicines11041227

PMID

37189845

PMCID

PMC10135818

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

4-20-2023

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

MS—multiple sclerosis, DMT—disease modifying therapies, pwMS—persons with multiple sclerosis, SDOH—social determinants of health, EDSS—Expanded Disability Severity Scale, SES—socioeconomic status, nSES—neighborhood socioeconomic status

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an acquired demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Historically, research on MS has focused on White persons with MS. This preponderance of representation has important possible implications for minority populations with MS, from developing effective therapeutic agents to understanding the role of unique constellations of social determinants of health. A growing body of literature involving persons of historically underrepresented races and ethnicities in the field of multiple sclerosis is assembling. Our purpose in this narrative review is to highlight two populations in the United States: Black and Hispanic persons with multiple sclerosis. We will review the current understanding about the patterns of disease presentation, genetic considerations, response to treatment, roles of social determinants of health, and healthcare utilization. In addition, we explore future directions of inquiry as well as practical methods of meeting these challenges.