Healthcare Utilization in People with Multiple Sclerosis and Comorbidities
In a study of 185 participants with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), it was found that those with comorbidities used more healthcare services, including increased visits to primary care and mental health providers, more unique providers, extensive imaging tests like MRIs and X-rays, and higher rates of inpatient hospital stays and elective surgeries.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Not graded
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
This highlights the additional healthcare burden faced by PwMS with comorbidities, emphasizing the need for tailored care strategies to address their complex health needs.
What this does not prove
The study focused primarily on the association between comorbidities and healthcare utilization, and did not explore the effects of specific conditions on care beyond traditional hospitalizations and emergency visits.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Not reported
- Participants / samples
- Not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-26
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- PwMS with comorbidities
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceThe role of comorbidities in comprehensive healthcare utilization among people with multiple sclerosis. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.108022
Supporting passages (7)
sample size basisMETHODS: Participants (n = 185) were PwMS who completed a series of questionnaires about their comorbidities and healthcare utilization over the prior 12 months as part of a larger study.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-26
findingsRESULTS: PwMS with a comorbidity had higher utilization of several services, including more healthcare provider visits (p < 0.001), particularly with primary care (p = .041) and mental health providers (p = .003), unique providers seen (p < 0.001), active medications (p < .001), MRIs (p = .008), X-rays (p = .031), inpatient hospital stays (p = .038), and elective surgeries (p = .035).
limitationsWhile there have been several studies on their associations with increased hospitalizations and emergency visits, there has been limited investigation into other aspects of care (e.g., imaging) or composite indices have been used rather than individual conditions.
populationCONCLUSIONS: These findings expand upon the previous literature, demonstrating that comorbidities are associated with greater utilization of a wide range of services and the complex needs of PwMS living with multiple chronic conditions.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
subjectsTitle: The role of comorbidities in comprehensive healthcare utilization among people with multiple sclerosis.
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