The Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in the North Caucasus Region of Turkey: Door-to-Door Epidemiological Field Study

Abstract

Background: The prevalence rate of multiple sclerosis (MS) might differ between countries depending on whether the data is obtained from hospital-based or population-based studies. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence of MS with face-to-face interviews by door-to-door field visits in a population study conducted in the north-eastern (Caucasus) part of Turkey situated at high altitude, with long winters and with inhabitants having low socio-economical status. Method: In this cross-sectional field study, one of every three houses within the city proper were visited searching for MS cases. Results: 7249 subjects were included in face-to-face interviews. Five patients diagnosed as having MS were identified. The prevalence of MS was calculated as 68.97/100000, with a mean age of 35.1 +/- 10.2 years and female to male ratio of 4/1. Conclusion: This study, similar to the previous population-based study conducted in our country, demonstrated that the prevalence of MS in Turkey could be higher than expected. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2012; 49: 272-275)