Sexual Behavior and Multiple Sclerosis (P13-3.018)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> We sought to determine if engaging in same-sex high risk sexual behavior correlates with higher likelihood of diagnosis of MS. <h3>Background:</h3> Adolescence is a pivotal time window during which lifestyle and environmental factors impact the lifetime risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Sexual behavior is one personal factor that is relevant in adolescence and young-adulthood; however, it is unclear the relationship that sexual behavior has to lifetime risk of MS. Early identification and treatment of MS is a crucial factor in predicting health outcomes of patients with MS. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> This study is a retrospective secondary analysis of cross-sectional data in the TriNetX health database. High risk sexual behavior (HRSB) includes: unprotected intercourse, intercourse under influence of substances, intercourse with persons with intravenous drug use, multiple sexual partners, early age of sexual intercourse, and intercourse with sex workers. ICD-10 separates HRSB into same-sex (Z72.52-53) and opposite-sex (Z72.51) behavior. <h3>Results:</h3> We identified 13,595 males and 9,589 females with same-sex HRSB, and 64,409 males and 137,450 females with opposite-sex HRSB. Cohorts were balanced on age, race, and ethnicity. Males engaging in same-sex behavior had a 2.80-fold higher risk of MS diagnosis (95% CI: 1.66–4.73). Females engaging in same-sex behavior had a 2.30-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1.65–3.20). There was no significant risk difference between adults engaging in any form of high-risk sexual behavior compared to adults not engaging in high-risk sexual behavior (p = 0.41). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Our findings advance the understanding of MS prevalence in a unique patient population that may be at an increased baseline risk for more negative health outcomes. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Kennis has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Neurocrine Biosciences. Mr. Hale has nothing to disclose.