Multiple Sclerosis and Socioeconomic Status: What Happens in South America? (P01.142)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study is to analyze the socioeconomic status (SES) of a population of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients in Argentina, compared with controls and correlated with clinical variables such as Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), annualized relapse rate (ARR) and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Scale (MSSS). Background SES is the relative position of an individual on a hierarchical social structure, based on their access to wealth, prestige and power. SES variables most used include educational level, annual income, health insurance status, marital status and region of residence. A clear relationship between SES and health exists. In countries with high prevalence of MS was shown correlation between MS in people who achieve superior levels of education. Also there is an association between MS moderate-severe disability (higher EDSS scores) and divorce-separation and lower rates of employment. In South America, a region of low/medium prevalence, there is no data published about it. Design/Methods: A 36 questions survey that includes the main aspects of SES was completed by 47 MS outpatient clinic and 42 controls matched for sex and age. Both groups were compared using Student9s t test and Chi-square test. In MS, group variables were analyzed independently related to disease duration, ARR and MSSS; using contingency tables, Mann Whitney test, nonparametric correlations and ANOVA. Results: MS patients have less self-sustaining capacity(p0,013), less trips abroad(p0,007) and less retirement contributions(p0,007) than controls. No statistically significant associations were observed between SES and clinical variables. A multiple logistic regression model neither showed significant association. 14 variables were put together to build a score of SES. This score correlated with higher MSSS(AuC 0,73;p0,008). Conclusions: MS patients and controls have similar global SES. Those with more disease progression have worst SES. Patients have greater economic dependence on their families. They have an informal employment more frequently. Finally, we observed a tendency to relegate unnecessary expenses. Disclosure: Dr. Pontello has nothing to disclose. Dr. Racosta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzalez Toledo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gleichgerrcht has nothing to disclose. Dr. Manes has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sinay has received personal compensation for activities with Bayer, Biogen Idec, Teva Tuteur, Novartis, and Merck Serono. Dr. Sinay has received research support from Merck Serono and Teva Tuteur.