To investigate the relationship between Socioeconomic Status (SES), as measured through health determinants, and perceived social support among patients with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS).

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease with profound psychosocial impact. While SES has been linked to disparities in treatment and outcomes, its relationship with perceived social support remains unclear. 

A retrospective cross-sectional chart review was conducted at a tertiary MS referral center in the Gulf South. pwMS and recent Modified Social Support Survey (MSSS) scores were included. Social determinants of health covariates included insurance type, employment status, and neighborhood disadvantage measured by Area Deprivation Index (ADI). The outcome was low social support, defined as an MSSS score below the cohort median (86.98). Log-binomial regression was performed to estimate crude and adjusted risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics, and other social determinants of health. 

Of 1,363 charts screened, 1,292 met inclusion criteria. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar to that of other large MS databases. We found that having Medicaid was significantly associated with low perceived social support compared to commercial insurance (crude RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.20–1.65; adjusted RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.24–1.80). Higher ADI had a weak association with low perceived social support (crude RR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06, adjusted RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.04). Part-time, disabled, and unemployed workers were more likely to report low perceived social support compared to full-time workers, but this trend was not statistically significant. No significant associations were found with any other demographic factors or health determinants. 

Having public insurance coverage and living in disadvantaged neighborhoods were independently associated with low perceived social support in pwMS. These findings highlight the role of structural inequities in shaping psychosocial outcomes and support the need for targeted interventions addressing vulnerable populations.