Lower Socioeconomic Status Linked to More MS Complications

Many of us are aware that where we live (or at least where we lived in our early life) may have played a role in our developingmultiple sclerosis (MS)。这可能与sun exposure in childhood以及可能与纬度相关的其他影响。

现在，研究人员发现了一个有生命的人与发展视力和心理健康问题的可能性之间的联系。然而，这种特定于位置的发现不仅仅是纬度和日晒，还基于社会经济因素。

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore recently reported on two studies examining the impact of socioeconomic status on MS; the studies show links to increases in retinal nerve fiber damage and vision loss, and todepression and anxiety。

Retinal Nerve Damage and Vision Loss

第一个研究，于2021年12月出版在《期刊》上Brain, found links between socioeconomic disparity and faster retinal neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis.

研究人员使用光学相干断层扫描（OCT），扫描了789的视神经people with MS其社会经济地位细节可在MS发作后的10年内获得。社会经济地位较低的人表现出更快的视网膜神经损害和视力丧失率。

科学家还发现，与生活在社会经济地位较低的社区相关的MS合并症，包括高血压，肥胖和sleep apnea。

Depression, Anxiety, and Barriers to Mental Health Care

The second study,published on December 4, 2021, inMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, linked socioeconomic status and race or ethnicity with mental health factors.

Using the same type of postal code and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status criteria, the report reflects data of 2,095 people with MS around the United States. Those with lower socioeconomic status exhibited higher levels ofdepression and anxiety。

While those of higher socioeconomic status reported depression and anxiety as well, they also reported improvement after receiving mental health care.

因此，这项研究的重点是考虑与MS Care一起考虑精神卫生服务的重要性，以及基于种族，种族和社会经济地位背景的精神健康态度的各种态度。

研究结果中强调了一个例子，该例子指出，如果将服务与MS Care共处，则更有可能报告“肯定去”的黑人或非裔美国人和西班牙裔或拉丁裔参与者更有可能获得心理保健。

Investigators in each study urge further study into links between socioeconomic status and health outcomes related to multiple sclerosis.

两项研究都部分由国家多发性硬化症学会。

How MS Can Affect Our Socioeconomic Status

Many of us living with multiple sclerosis know all too well that the disease — and its direct and indirectimpacts on employment和income — can negatively impact our socioeconomic status.

现在我们了解到，基于社会经济地位和就业的医疗保健差异似乎与敲门健康问题with MS.

Still, advocating for ourselves can make a difference.

If you feel that you are experiencing mental health issues — which may or may not be associated with MS — make sure to bring them to the attention of your MS medical team.

干杯，

Trevis

My book,Chef Interrupted，可在Amazon。Follow me on theLife With MS Facebook page和onTwitter, and read more onLife With Multiple Sclerosis。