(ORDO NEWS) — Scientists from Johns Hopkins University explained the high prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the northern countries by the poverty of the southern ones. The work was published in the journal Neurology.
According to doctors, fewer cases of multiple sclerosis are registered in southern countries, since they are difficult to diagnose due to low healthcare costs – patients cannot get to highly qualified neurologists and get an MRI.
Scientists analyzed data on incidence rates in 203 countries and grouped countries by region of the world and income levels.
They found that, on average, 46 out of every 100,000 people in high-income countries have multiple sclerosis, compared with 10 people per 100,000 in low-income countries.
In high-income countries, per capita health spending was nearly $3,000, while in low-income countries it was $45.
Increased investment in health care will help provide more accurate data on the prevalence of multiple sclerosis, the researchers say.
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