High frequency of adverse health behaviors in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundHealth behaviors influence chronic disease risks in the general population, and may influence health outcomes independently of comorbid diseases. Health behaviors receive less attention in multiple sclerosis (MS) than in the general population. We assessed health behaviors among participants in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry and the demographic characteristics associated with particular health behaviors.MethodsIn October 2006, we surveyed NARCOMS participants regarding smoking using questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey; physical activity using questions from the PEPI study, alcohol use using the AUDIT-C; and height and weight. To determine the independent demographic predictors of health behaviors, we used multivariable logistic regression, either binary or polytomous as appropriate.ResultsOf 8983 responders, 4867 (54.2%) ever smoked; 1542 (17.3%) currently smoked. On the basis of the AUDIT-C, 1632 (18.2%) were at risk for ...