A Study on the Risk Factors in Adults Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system with an unclear etiology and limited research on its risk factors. This retrospective, descriptive study used purposive sampling to recruit 80 adults (55 women, 25 men), aged 18–70 years, registered with various chapters of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI). The study was conducted to identify the risk factors in MS.  Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometric measurements and risk factors for MS. Most participants were between 25 and 45 years of age. The age of onset for men was predominantly 20–30 years (44%), while for women it was distributed between 20–30 years (34%) and 31–40 years (32.7%). Relapsing–remitting MS was the most common type of MS. A majority of participants, males (72%) and females (54.5%) were born in winter (August–January), highlighting birth month as a potential risk factor. Breastfeeding was reported by most males (72%) and females (65.5%), while caesarean births accounted for 52% of males and 54.5% of females. Although few reported recurrent childhood infections, varicella (chickenpox) incidence was high among females (87.2%). Before MS onset, most males (88%) and females (83.6%) did not engage in regular exercise, and stress was identified as a major trigger by 68% of males and 69% of females. Smoking before disease onset was reported by 72% of males. Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was common. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between pre-onset body weight (before diagnosis) and BMI as well as current body weight and BMI in both genders. This study highlights multiple modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for MS, including winter birth, stress, low physical activity, smoking, and vitamin D deficiency in Indian MS population. These findings underscore the need for early lifestyle intervention strategies to reduce risk and help in disease management.