Clinical epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in the Aran region of Azerbaijan

Objective: To investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Aran region of Azerbaijan. Methods: This prospective, single-center longitudinal study was conducted at Neurology Center under the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan from January 2013 to December 2022. Patients from the Aran region were evaluated using standardized national diagnostic protocols based on the 2010 McDonald criteria. Of 267 individuals assessed, 241 with confirmed MS were included. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical features, and epidemiological indicators were collected. Incidence and prevalence rates per 100,000 population were calculated and age-standardized using World, European, and national reference populations. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version-27. Results: Of the 241 patients, 150 (62.2%) were women and 91 (37.8%) were men. Mean age at diagnosis was 35.91±8.16 years, higher in men than women (p