Adverse socioeconomic position (SEP), in both childhood and adulthood, is associated with a susceptibility to developing multiple sclerosis (MS), adding to the growing evidence linking lower SEP to a range of poorer health outcomes, according to a Californian study.
Factors associated with the risk of MS include parents renting versus owning a home, not having a college-level education and low social mobility. The authors conclude that “both genetic and environmental contributions to chronic conditions are important and must be characterised to fully understand MS aetiology”.
Briggs FBS et al (2014). “Adverse socioeconomic position during the life course is associated with multiple sclerosis”. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, first published online 27 February.
