Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease with an obscure etiology, making the identification of risk factors challenging. Understanding patient characteristics and potential risk factors is crucial for better disease prevention and management.

Aim: This study aims to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of MS patients and explore the distribution of potential risk factors among affected individuals in Basrah, Iraq.

Method: A case-control study was conducted on 106 MS patients diagnosed, treated, and registered at the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in Basrah General Hospital. These cases were compared to 212 age-and sex-matched controls. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews, covering demographics, clinical presentation, and possible risk factors. Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations between MS and various exposures.

Results: MS was found to be more common among females, with a female-to-male ratio of 2:1. Most patients were within the 20-40 years age group, married, educated, and engaged in various occupations. The majority were of white Asian descent. The most common initial symptom was extremity weakness. Significant associations were found between MS risk and smoking, as well as migration at or before 15 years of age. However, no significant association was observed with past medical and surgical history, obstetric history, family history, immunization, teenage night shift work, social history, or body mass index.

Conclusion: MS predominantly affects young adult females and is associated with smoking and early-life migration. Further research is needed to explore other environmental and genetic contributors to MS in Iraq.