RESUMO
Background: The neurological academic field is an illustrative example of persistent gender-related disparities reflected in compensation, funding, leadership, promotion, publishing, and recognition. Several studies indicate that neurology is one of the most underrepresented specialties with female physicians as first authors, but also has one of the highest gender payment gaps. Neglecting the role of women in academic leadership positions hinders the visibility and recognition of research and leadership in multiple sclerosis (MS). Increasing diversity within academia has positive effects, such as widening focus and expanding the plurality of research outputs. The gender gap and visibility of female MS clinicians and researchers remains an unexplored research topic in our country despite the rising number of female neurologists. Objective: This study aims to establish the gender distribution between researchers and clinical neurologists in multiple sclerosis in Colombia and raise awareness about gender disparities in this area. Methods: We applied a cross-sectional survey study of Colombian neurologists and neurology residents currently members of the Colombian Neurology Association. Mean and standard deviation (SD) were used for quantitative variables and frequency for qualitative variables. To evaluate the influence of gender, logarithmic regression was used. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26. Results: A total of 201 participants agreed to complete the survey, most of whom were female (n = 135, 67.2%). All the Colombian regions were represented in the survey. Of those surveyed, 31.5% (n = 64) had an interest in demyelinating diseases and MS, of which 46.8% (n = 30) were female. Of the women with MS training, only 50% (n =5) had more than three publications as the first author of a scientific article compared to men (n = 5, 83%). After adjusting the number of publications by gender, there were no significant differences between men and women (median 2.0[2, 1.21] vs. 2[2, 0.5], p = 0.904). However, only 16.6% (n = 5) of women had a visible academic, leadership, or teaching position compared with men 75.7% (n = 25). When adjusting the salary income by gender, we found a statistically significant difference between women and men (median 2.0 [5, 1.47] vs. 3 [5, 1.65], p = 0.006). Women in MS earned between USD 2,500 and 3,800 per month; while men earned between USD 3,800 to 5,070. Conclusion: Despite a higher number of female neurologists trained in MS in Colombia, our data suggest considerable differences and gender gaps with regard to diverse opportunities at the academic, salary promotion, leadership, teaching, and recognition levels between male and female MS neurologists.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the association between MS and vitamin D levels, as well as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seropositivity and smoking history in a Colombian population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study between 2017 and 2018. We measured vitamin D levels and EBV antibody titers and administered a questionnaire to assess dietary habits, smoking, second-hand smoking and duration of smoking, sunlight exposure, physical activity, and personal and family history in individuals with and without multiple sclerosis during adolescence. A multivariable logistic regression model was then performed to explore the association between vitamin D status and MS. RESULTS: A total of 87 individuals with MS (mean age 40.9 years; 65.52% females) and 87 without MS (mean age 55 years; 65.52% females) were included in the analysis. In the multivariable analysis, after controlling for supplementation vitamin D levels did not differ between both groups and no difference was found regarding tobacco smoke exposure. The proportion of individuals who tested positive for anti-EBV nuclear antigen was significantly higher in individuals with MS (95.4% vs 82.76%, p = 0.028) CONCLUSION: : We did not find a statistically significant association between MS and vitamin D levels while anti-EBV nuclear antigen titers behaved as previously described in the literature. This study provides new evidence of the association between MS and different risk factors in our country, reinforcing the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of MS is multifactorial. Further studies are needed to better define the association between environmental factors and the development of MS in low prevalence areas.