Geographical distribution of multiple sclerosis mortality in Spain

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease with varying geographical prevalence.
• Understanding mortality trends is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze mortality trends and geographical distribution of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Spain.
• To determine the risk zone for MS in Spain based on mortality data.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of registered deaths with multiple sclerosis (MS) as the primary cause in Spain from 1969 to 1979.
• Calculation of age-adjusted mortality rates per 100,000 population.
• Geographical mapping of mortality rates by province.

Main Results:

• A total of 1841 deaths attributed to multiple sclerosis (MS) were recorded between 1969 and 1979.
• The MS death rate showed a significant decrease in the early years of the study period.
• From 1975 to 1979, the mortality rate stabilized at approximately 0.35 deaths per 100,000 population.
• A slight northern predominance in MS mortality was observed, with the highest rates concentrated in the northwestern regions of Spain.

Conclusions:

• The mortality rate for multiple sclerosis (MS) in Spain during 1969-1979 indicates a low-medium risk zone.
• Geographical analysis suggests higher MS mortality in the northwestern areas of Spain.
• These findings provide valuable epidemiological data for understanding MS distribution in Spain.