Prevalence Of Stigma In Caribbean Hispanic Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: To determine the prevalence of stigma in a population of Multiple Sclerosis patients and to determine if patients with more severe disease perceive higher levels of stigma and if this affect their quality of life. Background: Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic and progressive condition that is associated with a variable clinical presentation. Previous studies have shown that patients having a chronic illness are subject to stigmatization. Patients suffering from stigma and discrimination have worse quality of life and poor medication adherence. Design/Methods: Case – control study with a convenient sample of 60 participants (40 patients with MS and 20 controls). Patients with confirmed diagnosis of MS using the McDonald’s Criteria 2010 were recruited at the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic of the Neurology Section. All participants were evaluated for demographic data, MS diagnosis and severity using the EDSS, NeuroQOL (NIH Tool box) questionnaires regarding stigma, social roles, and depression. Results: Stigma and Depression T-scores were significantly higher in MS patients when compared with controls. Stigma is related to age, age at diagnosis and time elapsed to diagnosis (p Conclusions: Caribbean patients with Multiple Sclerosis reported higher levels of stigma, which correlated with disease severity and negatively affected quality of life. Disclosure: Dr. Rivera Cruz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vargas, MSII has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wojna has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for PRHSJ. Dr. Alfonso has nothing to disclose.