Preliminary Study of Differences Between Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in Isfahan and its’ Rural Provinces

Abstract

Background:: Previous publications categorized Isfahan as a high-risk area with regard to the prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives:: Till to date, there have been no studies differentiating between the prevalence of MS in Isfahan and its rural provinces. Patients and Methods:: A retrospective study of 4,209 patients with MS was conducted and recorded by the deputy of health at the Isfahan university of medical sciences in 2013. Demographic variables and place of birth were recorded in Excel. Descriptive and comparative analyses were conducted using SPSS. Results:: For Isfahan and its rural provinces, the calculated prevalence of MS could be referred as P = 84.14. The calculated prevalence of MS for Isfahan was as P = 27.61. It seems that the highest MS populations are located in the Isfahan rural southwest provinces. The place of birth in 52% was Isfahan. The number of women (78%) was higher than that of men (22%), and 90% of the population was young (range: 20 - 50 years old). Conclusions:: The outcome of this preliminary study suggested that Isfahan and its rural provinces might be categorized as two distinct regions for epidemiology of MS. Medium-risk areas included Isfahan, and high-risk areas included the Isfahan rural southwest provinces. Further advanced studies in this direction are recommended.