The only national data for multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence by age groups and race are based on a 1976 survey. Given the changes that have occurred in diagnostic criteria and the increasing use of laboratory methods for detection of MS, more current estimates are needed. We estimated MS prevalence using the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a probability sample of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population in the United States for 1982-1996. We observed evidence of higher MS prevalence for females in recent years, compared to the early 1980s. Six years of NHIS survey data (1989-1994) were combined to achieve stable estimates by strata of age, sex, and geographic region. The overall prevalence estimate was 87/100,000 population, or approximately 217,000 (± 25,000) persons with the disease. The ratio of females to males was 2.6:1, and the MS figures among both males and females were highest for the age groups 41-50 and 51-60. White females had a higher estimate than other races/ethnicities, and the estimate for females in the South region was significantly lower than in the rest of the country. The age-, sex-, and region-specific estimates for MS prevalence presented here will be a valuable resource for state and local health agencies that are investigating recent reports of elevated MS in communities concerned about exposure to environmental contaminants from hazardous waste sites.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.