< Back to previous page

Publication

Self-reported levels of education and disability progression in multiple sclerosis

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study is to investigate whether socioeconomic indicators such as education, financial concerns, employment, and living status are associated with disease progression in relapsing-onset and progressive-onset Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey among individuals with MS, registered by the Flemish MS society and included socioeconomic indicators. A Cox proportional hazard regression was performed with the time from MS onset and from birth to reach an ambulatory disability milestone corresponding to Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 6 (requiring a cane) as outcome measure, adjusted for gender, age at MS onset, and immunomodulatory treatment.

RESULTS: Among the participants with relapsing-onset MS, subjects reporting education for more than 12 years had a reduced risk of reaching EDSS 6 compared to subjects reporting education for less than 12 years [HR from onset 0.68 (95% CI 0.49-0.95); HR from birth 0.71 (95% CI 0.51-0.99)]. In progressive-onset MS, longer education was associated with an increased hazard to reach EDSS 6 [HR from onset 1.25 (95% CI 0.91-1.70); HR from birth 1.39 (95% CI 1.02-1.90)].

CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows an association of self-reported levels of education with disability progression in MS, with the highest level being protective in relapsing-onset MS.

Journal: Acta Neurol Scand
ISSN: 0001-6314
Issue: 6
Volume: 134
Pages: 414-419
Publication year:2016
Keywords:Adolescent, Adult, Age Factors, Age of Onset, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Belgium, Cross-Sectional Studies, Disability Evaluation, Disease Progression, Educational Status, Female, Health Surveys, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Multiple Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting, Self Report, Sex Factors, Young Adult
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ane.12555
  • WoS Id: 000386754600003
  • Scopus Id: 84983134489
  • ORCID: /0000-0002-2597-0383/work/61267241
  • ORCID: /0000-0002-0917-4176/work/76802739
CSS-citation score:1
Authors:International
Accessibility:Closed