PREVALENCE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IN THE NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and neuroinflammation. Aim. This study investigates the prevalence and demographics of MS in the northern regions of Azerbaijan, providing insights for targeted healthcare strategies. Materials and Methods. This was a prospective, single-center, registry-based observational study involving patients referred from regional clinics or those presenting directly. The study was conducted at the Neurology Center of the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan, from 01.01.2013, to 31.12.2022. Newly diagnosed or follow-up MS cases were included, with referrals from neurologists across the republic or self-referral to the center. Diagnostic protocols followed the Ministry of Health's "Clinical Protocol for the Diagnosis and Treatment of MS". Prevalence rates per 100,000 population were calculated and standardized using international and local demographic benchmarks. Statistical analysis included Pearson’s chi-square, Student’s t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U-tests, with significance set at p