Multiple Sclerosis
Volume 21, Issue 6, 2015, Pages 695-702

Prevalence of multiple sclerosis among immigrants in Norway (Article)

Berg-Hansen P.* , Moen S.M. , Sandvik L. , Harbo H.F. , Bakken I.J. , Stoltenberg C. , Celius E.G.
  • a Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital Ulleval, Postboks 4950 Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
  • b Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
  • c Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
  • d Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital Ulleval, Postboks 4950 Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
  • e Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
  • f Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Norway
  • g Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence is unevenly distributed worldwide. Immigration to Norway from countries with a lower MS prevalence is increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate MS prevalence in different immigrant populations in Norway and evaluate the effect of migrating from low- to high-risk regions of MS. Method: First- and second-generation immigrants from the largest immigrant populations were identified from the 2012 Norwegian prevalence study. Prevalence of MS in different ethnic groups was compared using the standardized prevalence ratio (SPR). Results: European and North-American immigrants had the highest prevalence of MS, whereas African and Asian immigrants had the lowest. The prevalence of first-generation Iranian immigrants was not significantly different from the total Norwegian population (SPR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.461.03). Secondgeneration immigrants from Pakistan (SPR 1.62, 95% CI: 0.882.76) had a strong increase in prevalence compared to the first generation (SPR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.050.28). Conclusion: MS prevalence among immigrants in Norway in general reflects the uneven distribution worldwide. The sharp increase in prevalence in immigrants seen in one generation suggests strong environmental factors affecting the MS risk in Norway. © The Author(s), 2014.

Author Keywords

Migration multiple sclerosis Ethnicity Epidemiology Prevalence

Index Keywords

Pakistan immigrant Asian Registries multiple sclerosis Norway Europe European register human risk assessment middle aged Asia statistics and numerical data controlled study Aged African ethnology disease surveillance Young Adult North America migrant Humans Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants environmental factor female Aged, 80 and over very elderly population distribution Africa high risk population population research prevalence Article North American major clinical study adult low risk population Iranian (citizen) disease predisposition age distribution family assessment Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84930513705&doi=10.1177%2f1352458514554055&partnerID=40&md5=b62eda27f0669ac82138b5def670cc58
DOI: 10.1177/1352458514554055
ISSN: 13524585
Cited by: 28
Original Language: English