Multiple Sclerosis in Black and Hispanic Populations Serving the Underserved

Black and Hispanic people could be at risk of greater MS disease burden early in the disease course. The higher percentage presenting at a younger age, the higher degree of lesion burden, and faster disability progression, all have the capacity to contribute to disparate outcomes. Although the most sensitive of the determinants in MS are considered to be biology and genetics, due to low clinical trial enrollment, there is poor understanding of how the interplay of these factors may affect disease course in minoritized groups. Also, other social determinants of health including implicit bias, socioeconomic status, and health literacy contribute to the disparities in overall health among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. With an increasing understanding of the relationship between these genetic factors and health outcomes, we see greater opportunities to intervene. As we move toward personalized health care, health disparities will continue to be of importance in the management of MS.