Overlooked Factors That Influence MS Care and Wellness
As we’ve talked about in this issue, a person’s health and wellness are shaped by far more than their medical care alone. Factors like where you live, your financial stability, your access to nutritious food and safe environments, and the support systems around you also play a role in determining health outcomes.
These external influences, known as social determinants of health, can create significant disparities in MS care. Some people have access to specialized healthcare, strong social networks, and financial stability, while others face barriers that can delay diagnosis, limit treatment options, and contribute to faster disease progression. Understanding these social determinants is key to ensuring that everyone with MS has the opportunity to receive quality care, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors shape health outcomes, well-being, and quality of life.
These factors significantly impact overall health. Examples include:
- Safe and stable housing, transportation, and neighborhoods
- Experiences of racism, discrimination, and violence
- Access to quality education, job opportunities, and fair wages
- Exposure to pollution, such as poor air and water quality
- Literacy and language skills that affect communication and access to services
- Availability of nutritious food and spaces for physical activity
Disparities in these areas contribute to health inequities. For instance, individuals without access to affordable, healthy food are more likely to suffer from conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Over time, these disparities can even reduce life expectancy compared to those with better access to essential resources.
And social determinants of health significantly influence the experiences and outcomes of individuals living with MS. Key impacts include:
- Socioeconomic Status: Individuals with higher socioeconomic status often have better access to high-quality healthcare, social support, and healthier lifestyles, which can lead to improved MS outcomes. Conversely, those with lower socioeconomic status may face barriers to care and support, potentially exacerbating disease progression.
- Race and Ethnicity: Research indicates that Black and Hispanic patients with MS tend to accumulate greater disability compared to white patients. These disparities are likely influenced by differences in social determinants of health, including access to healthcare and experiences of systemic racism.
- Access to Healthcare: Limited access to affordable and quality healthcare services can delay diagnosis and treatment initiation, leading to more rapid disease progression and increased disability.
Addressing social determinants of health is key to improving MS care and health equity. Factors like income, race, location, and healthcare access shape outcomes, influencing diagnosis, treatment, and long-term disability. Those facing systemic barriers — like lack of nearby specialists, financial strain, or transportation challenges — often experience delayed care and faster disease progression.
While these disparities are significant, they are not inevitable. At the Rocky Mountain MS Center, ongoing efforts to address these issues include expanding access to Telemedicine, funding diverse MS research, and strengthening social support systems that can help bridge these gaps. We also actively engage in advocacy efforts to improve access to care and amplify voices of patients.
The MS Center also continues to reach out to communities most impacted by many of these disparities in Colorado and beyond through our Rural Engagement Program (learn more at MSCenter.org/rural), and through the recent launch of our SEE-MS awareness campaign (learn more at MSCenter.org/seems).
A more holistic approach to MS care — one that goes beyond medication to address real-world barriers — can ensure that everyone with MS has the opportunity to live well, no matter their circumstances.
