Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
08:51
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
9.6K
Is high socioeconomic status a risk factor for multiple sclerosis? A systematic review
R Goulden1, T Ibrahim, C Wolfson
1Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Newcastle Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
European Journal of Neurology
|November 6, 2014
Summary
High socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to increased multiple sclerosis (MS) risk, particularly in unequal societies. However, evidence is inconsistent, with most studies lacking controls for other MS risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
- Social Determinants of Health
Background:
- High socioeconomic status (SES) generally correlates with better health.
- Some studies suggest a link between high SES and increased multiple sclerosis (MS) risk.
- Previous research on this association is inconsistent and lacks systematic review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on the association between SES and MS.
- To synthesize evidence regarding the relationship between socioeconomic status and multiple sclerosis risk.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of cohort and case-control studies was performed.
- Databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for articles published in any language up to August 23, 2013.
- Twenty-one studies from 13 countries were included, with a qualitative synthesis due to heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Five studies, primarily from unequal countries, indicated a positive association between high SES and MS.
- Thirteen studies found no association, and three reported an association with low SES, mostly from egalitarian countries.
- The association between high SES and MS risk appears stronger in more unequal countries and time periods.
Conclusions:
- The evidence linking high SES to increased MS risk is inconsistent.
- Socioeconomic inequality may play a role in the SES-MS association.
- Further research controlling for confounding factors is needed to draw firm conclusions.
