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Chronic comorbidity in multiple sclerosis is associated with lower incomes and dissolved intimate relationships
Author(s) -
Thormann A.,
Sørensen P. S.,
KochHenriksen N.,
Thygesen L. C.,
Laursen B.,
Magyari M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/ene.13297
Subject(s) - comorbidity , medicine , odds ratio , poisson regression , confidence interval , incidence (geometry) , odds , multiple sclerosis , cohort , rate ratio , logistic regression , psychiatry , demography , population , physics , environmental health , sociology , optics
Background and purpose The social and economic consequences of comorbidity in multiple sclerosis ( MS ) are largely unexplored. Differences were investigated in income and in the rate of broken relationships between cases of MS with and without chronic comorbidity. Methods We conducted a nationwide cohort study including all incident cases of MS in Denmark with clinical MS onset between 1980 and 2005. The difference in income was investigated at MS onset and 5 and 10 years after MS onset. The difference in the rate of broken relationships was investigated in subjects who were in a relationship at MS onset or who entered a relationship after MS onset. We used logistic, multiple linear and Poisson regression analyses. Results Cases of MS with somatic comorbidity had increased odds of low incomes both 5 years {odds ratio ( OR ), 1.41 [95% confidence interval ( CI ), 1.19–1.67; P < 0.0005]} and 10 years [OR, 1.37 (95% CI, 1.17–1.60); P < 0.0005] after MS onset. The odds of a low income with psychiatric comorbidity was increased 10 years after MS onset [OR, 3.06 (95% CI, 1.47–6.37); P = 0.003]. The rate of broken relationships was increased in cases of MS with any somatic comorbidity [incidence rate ratio, 1.46 (95% CI , 1.32–1.61); P < 0.0005]. Conclusions Our results underscore the burden of comorbidity in MS on patients, their partners and society.