Multiple Sclerosis Research Center
Neurology

Author Of 1 Presentation

Epidemiology Poster Presentation

P0495 - Socioeconomic status and stressful life events risks in development of neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder (ID 999)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P0495
Presentation Topic
Epidemiology

Abstract

Background

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that predominantly affects the spinal cord and optic nerves, caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The environmental predisposing factors are mainly indeterminate and could have happened long time before the disease presentation.

Objectives

The present study investigated the possible association of socioeconomic status (SES), stressful life events, and ethnicity with NMOSD development after adjustment for relevant confounders in an Iranian population.

Methods

This was a population-based case-control study of 153 NMOSD cases and 400 healthy controls during 2015-2019 in Tehran, Iran. Diagnosis of NMOSD was based on the 2015 International Consensus Criteria. Sex-matched controls with no history of any neurological disorders were selected through the standard method of Random Digit Dialing (RDD). Telephone interviews were administered to gather subjects’ data. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted and unadjusted odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using SPSS software.

Results

In this study NMOSD cases and controls had the mean age (SD) of 37.11 (±10.90) and 33.67 (±8.37) years, respectively (p < 0.001). Experiencing homelessness periods (OR = 4.85; 95% CI (1.24 – 18.87), p = 0.02), family disruption (OR = 12.69; 95% CI ) 3.30 – 48.73), p < 0.001), divorce (OR = 6.20; 95% CI (1.62 – 23.64), p = 0.009) and joblessness (OR = 3.83; 95% CI (1.32 – 11.15), p = 0.01) as stressful life events and positive history of depression (OR = 3.20; 95% CI (1.25 – 8.21), p = 0.01) increased NMOSD risk. Self-rated health status score was higher in controls (p < 0.001). Socioeconomic status (SES), parental ethnicity, and parental educational level during subjects’ adolescence were not associated with NMOSD development risk (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Stressful life events including homelessness periods, family disruption, divorce, joblessness, and positive history of depression were identified as risk factors for NMOSD development, while marriage was a protective factor. Controls had higher self-rated health status score in comparison to NMOSD subjects. No evidence was found suggesting SES, ethnicity, and parental educational levels as risk factors for NMOSD in an Iranian population.

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