This article summarizes the experiences of 76 Euro-Americans and 24 African Americans who have multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neurological disease which affects 250,000–350,000 Americans. Although the majority of people with MS are young to middle-aged women of Northern European origin, African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans also have MS. This qualitative study explores the impact of race and gender on people's initial interpretation of symptoms, access to appropriate medical care, diagnosis, and adjustment to disability.
multiple sclerosis - gender - race - disability