Quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: Multiple sclerosis is characterized by a diverse clinical course and high disability of the disease. The aim of the study was to identify and analyse the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: The authors collected data using WHOQOL-BREF tool. The research sample consisted of 81.40% women and 18.60% men. In terms of age, the largest representation was recorded in persons aged 31–50 (56.98%). The research sample was divided into two groups: persons with a disease duration of up to 11 years (60.47%), and persons with a disease duration over 11 years (39.53%). Results: We compared the research findings in each domain with the standard population Statistical significance was confirmed in the physical domain in the area of mobility (p = 0.002**). Pain and discomfort were perceived more positively in both groups (M = 2.54 and M = 2.93) than in the population standard (PN = 4.03). We confirmed the statistical significance of survival in the area of concentration (p = 0.045*). The availability of health services proved to be important (p = 0.027**) in the environmental field. When comparing both groups in terms of disease duration, statistical significance was confirmed in the health satisfaction domain (p = 0.049*). Conclusion: Decreased ability to move independently represents the greatest correlation with decreased quality of life. For patients with multiple sclerosis, it is advisable to create checklists and rehabilitation programs to improve their quality of life.