Contributing factors to health‐related quality of life in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is lower in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) compared to the healthy population, psychological symptoms accompanying multiple sclerosis (MS) have a serious impact on the HRQoL of PwMS. Data regarding the subject, however, remain conflicting. Objectives To evaluate the patients' sociodemographic attributes, education, fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment level of impact on the HRQoL for the whole cohort as well as comparing the sexes. Materials and Methods Three hundred and twenty‐two relapse‐remitting MS patients filled out the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), MS Quality of Life‐54 (MSQoL‐54) questionnaires, cognitive impairment were identified using Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) test. The patients' data were acquired from our clinic's MS registry or from patients' files. Results Depression and fatigue were found to have the most ubiquitous and robust effect on the overall and any given subdivision of the HRQoL composite. Other factors had a slight effect on some of the subscales when the whole cohort was evaluated. When the genders were compared, differences were found on 10 domains. Conclusion Psychopathological symptoms have a more powerful influence on the HRQoL of MS patients than physical impairment, also these symptoms influence men's and women's HRQoL with different power. This invokes the need for complex and personalized care in the treatment of PwMS. Ours is the first study to show a difference between the sexes in this regard.

Psychological status of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis during coronavirus disease-2019 outbreak

“…Higher levels of depression and alcohol use were noted in the general population during the COVID-19 outbreak in the epicenter of the COVID-19 epidemic in China compared to other regions (Ahmed et al., 2020) . Data of a large number of patients indicate an increased prevalence of depression and anxiety in MS independently of pandemic (Biernacki et al., 2019 ; Boeschoten et al., 2017) .…”

Pharmaceutical Service for Multiple Sclerosis Carriers in Brazil: A State Model

“…The unpredictability of the course of MS, the progression of disability, and the impact of symptoms on patients and families negatively affects the quality of life (Pakdaman et al, 2017). Therefore, health professionals must aim to improve quality of life by focusing on the prevention of disease and rehabilitation and engaging in health promotion (Biernacki et al, 2019). The Pharmacy School provides collaborative services to promote the health of MS sufferers, which are essential for the rehabilitation and social adaptation of this group of patients.…”

Monitoring the Redox Status in Multiple Sclerosis

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