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Deterioration in the health-related quality of life of persons with multiple sclerosis: the possible warning signs

Northern Alberta Multiple Sclerosis Patient Care and Research Clinic, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, karen.turpin{at}ualberta.ca

L.J. Carroll

Department of Public Health Sciences & Alberta Centre for Injury Control & Research, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

J.D. Cassidy

University Health Network Rehabilitation Solutions, Division of Health Care Outcomes and Research, Toronto Western Research Institute; Departments of Public Health Sciences and Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

W.J. Hader

Cameco Multiple Sclerosis Neuroscience Research Centre, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Baseline data from a population-based study examining the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of MS patients about to begin disease modifying therapy was used to determine the factors associated with the HRQL of Saskatchewan adults with relapsing-remitting MS. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire regarding demographic and socioeconomic status, fatigue, comorbid medical conditions, disability level (EDSS), number of attacks in past 6 months, illness intrusiveness (Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and HRQL (SF-36 Health Status Survey). Multiple linear regression models were used to identify the factors associated with the physical and mental health summary scores of the SF-36. We found poorer physical HRQL in those who are female; older; not working; have musculoskeletal or respiratory problems; greater fatigue, higher disability scores, and more MS attacks. High illness intrusiveness; digestive system problems; genitourinary problems; and headaches were associated with poorer mental HRQL. Interestingly, we found an interaction between sex and age in mental HRQL, with worse mental health in older men but better mental health in older women. These findings may assist health care providers in identifying patients who may be at risk for decline in their HRQL, permitting appropriate and timely interventions. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1038—1045. http://msj.sagepub.com

Key Words: comorbid conditions • health-related quality of life • illness intrusiveness • multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis, Vol. 13, No. 8, 1038-1045 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1352458507078393


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