Recent studies reveal significant racial disparities in multiple sclerosis (MS) care, particularly affecting young Black and Hispanic women. Researchers from various institutions have uncovered troubling trends in disease progression, healthcare utilization, and pregnancy outcomes among minority patients with MS.
A study published in the journal Neurology found that minority women with MS face greater challenges during pregnancy. Black and Hispanic women were more likely to have advanced disease at conception, with higher levels of inflammation indicating increased susceptibility to myelin loss and disease progression. These women also experienced socioeconomic disadvantages, including living in under-resourced neighborhoods and lacking private health insurance.
Another study, focusing on pediatric-onset MS (POMS), identified disparities in clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization. Black/African American children with POMS had higher disability scores at initial presentation and were more likely to be prescribed higher efficacy medications. Socioeconomic factors played a crucial role, with families living in more deprived areas experiencing significantly more hospital admissions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity are delving deeper into the social determinants of health (SDOH) that contribute to these disparities. Dr. Jagriti Bhattarai emphasizes the importance of examining factors such as neighborhood and income in affecting the quality of MS care, especially for historically underserved groups.
These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address racial disparities in MS care. By identifying modifiable factors and barriers faced by underserved populations, researchers hope to promote health equity across all neurologic patient populations and improve outcomes for minority patients with MS.
See “Racial Disparities in Health Care Utilization Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis” (October 23, 2024)
