Perceptions about MS Among Hispanic Americans: Need for Targeted Messaging

Background: We have previously reported that Hispanics with MS who have low levels of acculturation are a higher risk of disease progression.  Little is known of the attitudes and beliefs about the cause of multiple sclerosis in this group. 

Objectives: n/a

Methods: We surveyed a cohort of Hispanics in Southern California.  Using data from two focus group responses and questionnaires, we characterized perceptions about the causes of MS into environmental, biological, and sociocultural.

Results: Out of the 97 responders, most were female (63%), had a disease duration of 5.7 years (SD: 6.7) and had some college education (61%).  Most reported MS to be caused by an environmental encounter such as stress (44%) with stress being significantly more common in individuals with higher levels of acculturation (81% vs. 60%, p=0.01). Experiencing strong emotions such as fright (susto, 16%), or sadness and depression (tristeza, 11%) was also thought to precipitate MS.  Susto was significantly more commonly reported in individuals with low levels of acculturation (30% vs 9%, p=0.04) while tristeza was no different (15% vs. 9%, p=0.46). Biological causes such as inheriting the disease was no different by acculturation (p=0.17). 

Conclusions: Stress and cultural related factors are commonly perceived causes of MS. Health education interventions are needed to reduce the misconceptions and increase awareness of MS in Hispanics.