Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) of patients. Constantly changing living and functioning conditions and patient expectations force continuous monitoring of HR-QoL.
Objective or hypothesis
The main aim of the study was to analyze HR-QoL among MS patients (MS), compared to a control group of healthy people (HG). Another aim was indication of the spheres in the SF-36 that were assessed the worst by patients.
Methods
The study was conducted in a group of 78 patients with MS and on 106 healthy individuals (HG). The SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess QoL. The analysis used Kruskal Wallis test, U-Mann Whitney’s test, student’s t-test, ANOVA, and a correlation coefficient.
Results
The biggest significant differences in the average level of HR-QoL between MS and HG were noted in the physical functioning. Men in this area, both with MS (34.4±22.9) and in HG (97.6±4.7), indicated a higher HR-QoL compared to women (29.7±24.4; 95.5±13.5, respectively). The analysis of the impact of disease symptoms on HR-QoL indicated a significant influence of fatigue and visual impairment on MCS, PCS, and ILQ. Motor coordination disorders and decreased well-being significantly reduced the HR-QoL in MCS. Sexual dysfunction significantly reduces HR-QoL in PCS (p=0.002) and ILQ (p=0.008). Motor coordination disorders significantly worsened HR-QoL in ILQ (p=0.040).
Conclusions
The greatest difference in HR-QoL between MS and HG was noted in the case of physical functioning. Including aspects aimed at minimizing chronic fatigue and improving visual function in the treatment strategy and rehabilitation program for patients will improve the quality of life of these patients, increase satisfaction with treatment, and maintain an appropriate level of compliance with pharmacotherapy.