Fatigue and associated factors in multiple sclerosis patients in Latvia

Abstract

Background and objectives. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to determine the presence of fatigue in MS patients in Latvia and its relation to lifestyle factors, neurological disability and depression. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study included 117 participants (44 patients with MS and 73 healthy control group). Applied research instruments were: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the general questionnaire for the collection of socio-demographic, lifestyle habits and clinical data constructed for the purposes of this study. Results. Mean FSS score was 3,9±1,9 in MS group. 26 (59,1%) patients had FSS score of 3,8 or more and were classified as a fatigue group (MSF) while 18 (40,9%) patients had FSS of 3,7 or less and were classified as a non-fatigue (MSNF) group. There was statistically significant difference between MSF and MSNF groups considering PHQ9 score (p=0,019), FSS score (p<0,001) and EDSS score (p<0,001). Significant correlations of fatigue with depression (r=0,48, p=0,001), fatigue with neurological disability (r=0,49, p=0,001) and fatigue with smoking (r=0,29, p=0,054) were confirmed. Conclusions. Fatigue is a common symptom in MS patients in Latvia. This study supports significant association between fatigue and clinical factors (disability, depression) and modifiable lifestyle factor – smoking.