Urban/Rural Differences in Hospital Admissions with Multiple Sclerosis in Selected Counties in Ohio 1999-2004

Context: Regional differences in the prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have been reported with higher rates in rural areas. Purpose: Using hospital admission data from eight counties in Ohio (1999 to 2004), we described the pattern of admissions for MS patients and examined the rural/urban differences. Methods: Adjusted admission rate ratios (ARR) for rural regions were calculated using Poisson regression models. Findings: The estimated admission rate was 70 per 100,000 in 1999 and increased to 90 per 100,000 in 2004 (p<0.0001). A significant association between degree of urbanization and MS admission rates was found with higher rate in rural area (ARR=1.23, 95% CI 1.17-1.35) and in female (ARR=2.45, 95% CI 2.37-2.54). Conclusions: Admission rate for MS is increasing and rural residence is associated with higher hospitalization rate.