Demographic characteristics of multiple sclerosis in south east Wales

The non-uniform distribution of multiple sclerosis in the United Kingdom has been attributed to genetic, exogenous and selective factors. Within the county of South Glamorgan the disease is most prevalent amongst middle-aged married or divorced caucasian women, born in England rather than Wales, occupying flats located in affluent communities with superior amenities where rates of owner occupation are high. The disease is least prevalent amongst young single Welsh-born or non-caucasian males living in rented accommodation located in less affluent communities with a higher population density. These observations may, in part, be related to superior ascertainment of the former group, but some, as yet unidentified, characteristic of the environment may also be relevant.