Objective: To explore the intersectionality between sex and race in the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-8 (PDQ-8) among patients with Parkinson’s Disease in Hawai’i.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often misperceived as a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting older, White men, yet it impacts diverse populations globally. Societal gender norms shape PD experiences¹, and disease progression often disrupts traditional roles, exacerbating burden and decreasing quality of life (QoL). However, research on the interplay between sex, culture, and gender roles in PD remains limited.

Method: We analyzed PDQ-8 scores from 78 PD patients (Asian American [AA] = 27, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander [NH/PI] = 26, and White = 25) enrolled in an IRB-approved pilot study at The Queen’s Medical Center. PDQ-8 scores at baseline and a 6-month follow-up were stratified by sex and race. Statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.3.

Results: At baseline, the median score of White male participants was 26.5 (IQR=21), which was significantly higher compared to both NH/PI (16, IQR=14; p = 0.04) and AA (17.5, IQR=15; p = 0.01) male participants. At follow-up, there was a significant difference between the median scores of White (23.5, IQR=32) and AA (17.5, IQR=9) male participants, p=0.03. No significant difference was identified between race groups in females at baseline and follow-up (p>0.05). Although there was no statistically significant difference between gender and race, there was a trend observed; females in AA and NH/PI groups, as well as males in the White group, had higher median PDQ-8 scores relative to their counterparts.

Conclusion: Gender roles and cultural expectations influence the burden and QoL of people with PD. Though our small sample size restricted our statistical power; observed racial differences in PDQ-8 scores emphasize the need for further research with a larger group. A gender and culturally informed approach to PD care is essential, as is increasing diversity in PD research.

References: 1. Göttgens I, Modderkolk L, Vermuë P, Darweesh SKL, Bloem BR, Oertelt-Prigione S. Gender-aware Parkinson’s care: a design-based study of patient perspectives on gender norms and gender-sensitive care. EClinicalMedicine. 2023;65:102285. Published 2023 Oct 17. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102285

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effects-of-sex-and-race-on-the-quality-of-life-of-parkinsons-patients-in-hawaii/