Does a modifiable risk factor score predict disability worsening in people with multiple sclerosis?

Abstract

Background: Risk factors for chronic disease include smoking, hazardous alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy body mass index and poor diet (SNAP factors). In multiple sclerosis (MS) SNAP factors are associated with health outcomes such as disability in cross-sectional studies, but longitudinal data are lacking. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether a combined SNAP risk score predicts disability worsening. Methods: Longitudinal self-reported data from two time-points 2.5 years apart from an international survey of 1225 people with MS were used in linear regression models adjusted for potential confounding. Disability worsening was measured using the patie..