Ethnic and Gender Disparities in Access to Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for Parkinson’s Disease

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) in appropriately selected patients. DBS may be underused in certain patient populations, especially women and racialized groups. Barriers and biases to receiving DBS that could account for underuse among these groups are not well studied in Canada. Objective: We aim to better characterize the disparities in gender, ethnicity and other demographic factors among patients referred for and receiving DBS. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review and phone survey of DBS patients treated at two Canadian centers and from Canada Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN). Gender, ethnicity, marital status, native language, birth country, urban versus rural residency, level of education, household income and mode of referral were studied. Results: Among all participants, more men than women received DBS. Most patients (81.8–94.1%) in both referral and implanted groups were White. The gender and ethnicity of this cohort do not represent Canadian demographics. Patients referred and receiving surgery had higher educational level compared with general Canadian population. Being married was positively associated with DBS referral and implantation. Conclusion: Significant ethnic and gender disparities in receiving DBS exist. Educated White men were overrepresented. Further actions need to be taken to expand the accessibility of this important treatment to all eligible PD patients with an effort to provide equitable care to women, racialized groups and those who cannot advocate for themselves in Canada.