Latinx patients also have stark differences in MS from white patients—one 2021 study found that Hispanic Americans with MS had higher scores than African Americans (who already had higher scores than white patients) on different commonly used scales that rate for domains of pain, cognition, depression, and anxiety. And while 40% of Latinx MS patients in one pilot study showed symptoms of depression, only 60% felt highly satisfied with their access to mental healthcare.
Other ways MS may be different for Latinx people with MS:
There is an overall younger age of onset in Hispanic adult cohorts.
They have higher disability scores than white patients.
They are increasing in numbers in pediatric MS cohorts.
Understanding the reasons for the disparities in BIPOC experience with multiple sclerosis will be key, for both patients and providers, to achieve the best treatment outcomes for everyone.
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