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Lifestyle factors and multiple sclerosis: A case-control study in Belgrade
Tatjana Pekmezovic1, Jelena Drulovic, Marija Milenkovic
1Institute of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. pekmezovic@sezampro.yu
Neuroepidemiology
|November 11, 2006
Summary
Cigarette smoking and coffee consumption are linked to an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Heavy alcohol consumption, particularly hard liquor, also significantly elevates MS risk, with smoking identified as an independent risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease with complex etiology.
- Lifestyle factors are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to MS development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lifestyle factors including cigarette smoking, coffee, and alcohol consumption, and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- 210 patients with confirmed MS (Poser's criteria) were compared with 210 matched hospital controls.
- Data on smoking, coffee, and alcohol consumption were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Cigarette smoking showed a significant association with MS risk (OR=1.6), with dose-response relationships observed for smoking duration and daily cigarette intake.
- Coffee consumption was also more frequent in the MS group (OR=1.7), exhibiting dose-response patterns.
- Consumption of hard liquor was strongly associated with increased MS risk (OR=6.7).
- Multivariate analysis identified smoking as an independent risk factor for MS (OR=2.4).
Conclusions:
- Lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, coffee consumption, and heavy alcohol intake are associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis.
- Smoking emerges as a significant independent risk factor for MS development.
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