Racial and Ethnic Differences in Peripheral Neuropathy Risk Factors Among United States Adults

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Peripheral neuropathy (PN) disproportionately affects non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations in the U.S.
• The underlying mechanisms for this disparity remain largely unknown.
• Investigating demographic, metabolic, lifestyle, and social determinants of health (SDOH) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine associations between PN and race/ethnicity.
• To identify demographic, metabolic, lifestyle, and SDOH risk factors for PN.
• To analyze these associations in a large, diverse U.S. adult sample.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional secondary analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004).
• PN assessed via monofilament test for reduced sensation.
• Risk factors included demographics, metabolic markers, lifestyle factors, and SDOH.

Main Results:

• Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic individuals showed higher initial odds of PN compared to White individuals.
• After adjusting for metabolic, lifestyle, and SDOH factors, disparities for non-Hispanic Black individuals diminished.
• Hispanic individuals maintained higher PN odds, linked to factors like saturated fat intake and food insecurity.
• Lack of health insurance, higher HbA1c, and increased waist circumference were significant PN risk factors.

Conclusions:

• PN risk factors account for higher prevalence in non-Hispanic Black individuals but not Hispanic individuals.
• Social determinants of health, such as lack of insurance and food insecurity, increase PN odds.
• Targeted screening, prevention, and treatment for PN are needed in individuals with identified SDOH risk factors.