Abstract
BackgroundIn comparison to non-minority patients with multiple sclerosis, minority research in multiple sclerosis continues to be only a few percent of the literature. Often, the comparator group is with the Caucasian populations of the world, who themselves comprise of non-ubiquitous groups. Comparisons between minority groups have not been done as they relate to quality of life, partly because the populations are smaller. Our study will compare the quality life differences between two minority populations living in the same geographic and urban area.MethodsThis study utilized cross-sectional data from an observational prospective cohort study. A total of 28 minority patients were included in this study. All patients were on a disease modifying therapy. Demographic information was obtained. The primary outcome measure was the MSQLI and all scores were derived from the MSQLI user’s manual.ResultsThe MSQLI scores of the Mental Health Index were lower in all areas for Hispanic White MS patients as compared to Non-Hispanic African American patients, but 3 of 5 were statistically significant: MHI total score, MHI anxiety, and MHI behavioral control subscores (all p < 0.05). When investigating if EDSS associated with MSQLI measures, independent of minority group, the only noted difference was between the mild (EDSS< or = 3) and the moderate group (EDSS 3.5–5.5) in the Physical Components Score and Health Transition Score (p = 0.028 and p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study begins to elucidate differences in quality life measures between minorities with multiple sclerosis potentially leading to culturally competent care.
Highlights
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating, and progressive disease of the central nervous system that causes physical and cognitive disability and disproportionately affects women [1, 2]
MSQLI scores on the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) measures were lower in all areas for Hispanic Whites compared to Non-Hispanic African Americans
In this study, we evaluated the MSQLI data of minority MS patients to identify demographic and disease characteristics significantly associated with the quality of life of these patients residing in a large urban area
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating, and progressive disease of the central nervous system that causes physical and cognitive disability and disproportionately affects women [1, 2]. Gait imbalance, bowel and bladder dysfunction, visual disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, pain and depression, which negatively affect a patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL) [1, 2, 5]. While the physical manifestations of MS are assessed using the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the psychological manifestations are evaluated by a patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Comparisons between minority groups have not been done as they relate to quality of life, partly because the populations are smaller. Our study will compare the quality life differences between two minority populations living in the same geographic and urban area
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