The Open Epidemiology Journal

2009, 2 : 51-54
Published online 2009 May 29. DOI: 10.2174/1874297100902010051
Publisher ID: TOEPIJ-2-51

Urban/Rural Differences in Hospital Admissions with Multiple Sclerosis in Selected Counties in Ohio 1999-2004

Sadik A. Khuder , Melissa Foos , Nabeel A. Herial , Anand B. Mutgi , Basil S. Khuder and Rose Jung
College of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA.

ABSTRACT

Context: Regional differences in the prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have been reported with higher rates in rural areas.

Purpose: Using hospital admission data from eight counties in Ohio (1999 to 2004), we described the pattern of admissions for MS patients and examined the rural/urban differences.

Methods: Adjusted admission rate ratios (ARR) for rural regions were calculated using Poisson regression models.

Findings: The estimated admission rate was 70 per 100,000 in 1999 and increased to 90 per 100,000 in 2004 (p<0.0001). A significant association between degree of urbanization and MS admission rates was found with higher rate in rural area (ARR=1.23, 95% CI 1.17-1.35) and in female (ARR=2.45, 95% CI 2.37-2.54).

Conclusions: Admission rate for MS is increasing and rural residence is associated with higher hospitalization rate..