Health-Related Quality of Life in people with Multiple Sclerosis: How does this Population Compare to Population-based Norms in Different Health Domains?

Abstract

Purpose The purposes of this investigation were to (1) identify the domains of health-related quality of life most impacted in people with RRMS, (2) compare the health-related QOL in people with RRMS to general population norms, and (3) to describe subgroups within the RRMS population that have similar health and wellness needs. Methods This was a cross-sectional QOL investigation of adults with RRMS. The SF-36v2 survey and demographic information were collected electronically via Qualtrics. Participants (n = 120) were recruited through social media and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of the United States. One-sample Z-tests were completed for all subscales, and component mean scores to determine if a difference between the sample and population norms existed. Results All values of z were statistically significant, p < .01, for all subscale and composite scores. Social function, physical function, and the mental health component scores had the lowest subscale means. A first stage depression screen revealed that 49% of the surveyed population were at risk for depression, compared to 18% in the general population. Further dividing the sample into years since MS diagnosis, the recently diagnosed group had 61% at risk for depression. Conclusions Challenges related to the mental health of individuals with RRMS are influencing overall health-related QOL. Early on in the disease course (0–3 years), mental health affected QOL more than physical health. More attention must be given to the nonphysical domains of health to advance the QOL for people with RRMS.

Perceived facilitators, needs, and barriers to health related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: a qualitative investigation

“…Those findings are consistent with previous research investigating similar constructs [ 24 – 27 ]. A recent cross-sectional study demonstrated that people with MS have a decreased quality of life in all health domains on the short form 36 quality of life scale (SF-36) compared to the general population [ 18 ]. Mental, emotional, and social health domains on the SF-36 were the furthest below the population-based norms than other domains such as physical function [ 18 ].…”

“…A recent cross-sectional study demonstrated that people with MS have a decreased quality of life in all health domains on the short form 36 quality of life scale (SF-36) compared to the general population [ 18 ]. Mental, emotional, and social health domains on the SF-36 were the furthest below the population-based norms than other domains such as physical function [ 18 ]. This perspective of focusing on non-physical domains of health was also seen in this qualitative study.…”

“…Participants were recruited from a group of 120 participants already enrolled in another larger study. The larger study surveyed 120 participants with RRMS comparing population-based normative data on the short form 36 (SF-36) to data collected from individuals with RRMS [ 18 ]. An invitation to participate in this second study was provided to all participants in the larger study.…”

Neurorehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis—A Review of Present Approaches and Future Considerations

“…Quality of life (QoL) is a complex assessment test that encompasses a wide spectrum of domains covering the elaborate definition of health provided by the World Health Organization [ 193 ]. In multiple sclerosis, QoL is impacted by a multitude of factors, such as impairments affecting everyday activities, level of dependency on caregivers, employment status, social support, or mental health [ 194 , 195 , 196 , 197 , 198 ]. In this context, QoL assessment provides useful information concerning the progression of the disease or the impact of therapy [ 199 , 200 ].…”

Beyond the Boundaries of Disease—Significant Post-traumatic Growth in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Caregivers

“…Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting physical, mental, and social well-being ( Gil-González et al, 2020 ; Faraclas et al, 2022 ). While struggling with the unpredictability and variability of symptoms, MS patients may also undergo intrapsychic processes leading to positive mental and physical changes that impact on all areas of life.…”