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Maternal education has significant influence on progression in multiple sclerosis
Heidi Øyen Flemmen1, Cecilia Smith Simonsen2, Line Broch2
1Department of Neurology, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway; Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Norway.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|June 10, 2021
Summary
Higher maternal education in adolescence is linked to slower multiple sclerosis (MS) progression and earlier diagnosis. This socioeconomic factor impacts long-term MS outcomes alongside disease-modifying treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Socioeconomic status (SES) influence on multiple sclerosis (MS) progression is understudied.
- Identifying risk factors for MS severity is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of adolescent socioeconomic status on later-life MS disease progression.
- To determine if parental education level affects MS diagnosis and progression.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1598 Norwegian MS patients was analyzed.
- Disease progression was measured using Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS).
- Adolescent SES indicators included parental education, residency, and smoking exposure, with adjustments for disease-modifying treatments.
Main Results:
- Higher maternal education at age 16 correlated with less severe MS progression (lower MSSS), earlier onset (younger age, lower EDSS), and quicker diagnosis.
- Paternal education, residency, and smoking exposure did not show significant associations with MS severity.
- Disease-modifying treatments were associated with disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Parental education, particularly maternal education, significantly influences timely MS diagnosis.
- Maternal education level is an independent factor affecting MS disease progression in later life, in addition to disease-modifying treatments.
