Epidemiological socio-health study of multiple sclerosis in Italy

The epidemiological studies of multiple sclerosis (MS) have shown that the prevalence of the disease in Italy is about 70 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and 150 cases per 100,000 in Sardinia. Italy is now considered a high risk area for MS. Nevertheless, no census exists which provides information as to the real numbers of MS patients in Italy and no study of the social impact of the disease has yet been conducted. AISM promoted a multicenter national epidemiological social-health study on MS in 8 sample areas (Milan, Florence, Brescia, Ferrara, Genoa, Messina, Nuoro, and Siena) to expand the epidemiological information regarding MS in Italy, to assess the health and social implications (employment, interpersonal relationships, vacation, transportation, architectural barriers) and to evaluate the level at which public structures are able to address these issues. The study focuses not only on theoretical but on practical results useful for concrete interventions. Through AISM, these interventions will be presented for public opinion. All patients with a diagnosis of MS and residents in the 8 selected geographic areas will be included in the study, for a total number of approximately 4,000. Data collection is organized into a clinical questionnaire, a sociohealth questionnaire and a home care questionnaire. A pilot study of 80 patients was conducted for assessing the questionnaires. Preliminary data will be presented.