Differences in symptoms among black and white patients with ME/CFS

American researchers Prof Leonard Jason and Chelsea Torres found comparable ME/CFS symptoms in a small study comparing Black and White patients, although in the control groups (i.e. people who didn’t have ME/CFS) Black people had more troublesome symptoms than the White controls.

Research abstract:

Study samples of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have primarily involved White subjects, so the literature on ethnic differences is sparse.

The current study identified a sample of 19 Black patients diagnosed with ME/CFS and compared them with White patients with ME/CFS, as well as with healthy controls. The studies used a similar psychometrically sound assessment tool to assess symptoms in all subjects.

Findings indicated there were significant differences between patients with ME/CFS versus controls, but few differences between patients who identified as Black or White. The results suggest there might be few symptom differences between patients with ME/CFS in these two ethnic groups. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Differences in symptoms among black and white patients with ME/CFS, by Leonard A Jason, Chelsea Torres in Journal of Clinical Medicine Vol 11, #22, p 6708, November 12, 2022