In:
International Journal of MS Care, Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Vol. 25, No. 3 ( 2023-05-01), p. 99-103
Abstract:
Social support is crucial for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). We sought to analyze differences in perceived social support in persons with MS vs controls; to study associations between perceived social support, clinical measures, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) variables in persons with MS; and to establish a predictive value of perceived social support for HRQOL. METHODS We studied 151 persons with MS (mean ± SD: age, 42.01 ± 9.97 years; educational level, 14.05 ± 3.26 years) and 89 controls (mean ± SD: age, 41.46 ± 12.25 years; educational level, 14.60 ± 2.44 years) using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), Expanded Disability Status Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL) questionnaire. Parametric and nonparametric statistical methods were used accordingly; P & lt; .05. RESULTS Persons with MS exhibited lower scores on the MOS-SSS's overall support index (t238 = −1.98, P = .04) and on each functional subscale (t238 = −2.56 to −2.19, P & lt; .05). No significant differences were found on the social support structural component (P & gt; .05). Significant associations were observed between social support and depression and fatigue (r = −0.20 to −0.29, P & lt; .05) and with MusiQoL dimensions (r = −0.18 to 0.48, P & lt; .05). Multiple regression analysis showed all 4 tested models contributed to HRQOL-explained variance (41%–47%). The emotional/informational support model explained the most HRQOL variability (47%). CONCLUSIONS Persons with MS perceived reduced social support, presenting lower functional scores than controls. Perceived social support proved to be a predictor of HRQOL. These findings should be considered during therapeutic treatment.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1537-2073
DOI:
10.7224/1537-2073.2022-012
Language:
English
Publisher:
Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2128700-4
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