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Self‐assessments and determinants of HRQ oL in a German MS population
Author(s) -
Nickel S.,
von dem Knesebeck O.,
Kofahl C.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/ane.12854
Subject(s) - quality of life (healthcare) , medicine , german , multiple sclerosis , comorbidity , gerontology , disease , neurology , population , social support , clinical psychology , psychology , psychiatry , environmental health , nursing , archaeology , history , psychotherapist
Objectives The importance of health‐related quality of life ( HRQ oL) in multiple sclerosis ( MS ) is widely acknowledged. In 2015, a multicenter study was launched to assess the HRQ oL and coping styles of chronically ill persons in Germany. The aims of this paper were (i) to describe how persons affected by MS assess their HRQ oL and (ii) find out sociodemographic and disease‐specific determinants of HRQ oL. Materials and methods A quantitative survey (optionally per paper‐pencil or online) was conducted between March and October 2015 in Germany. Recruitment ways were as follows: Associations of the German Multiple Sclerosis Society ( DMSG ), medical practices specialized in neurology/ MS , hospitals, public events, social networks, and self‐help clearinghouses. To measure HRQ oL, the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL) questionnaire and the short form of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire (FoP‐Q) were used. Results A total of 1220 individuals with MS participated in the study. Frequent problems reported were related to activities of daily living as well as sentimental and sexual life. Multiple regression analyses identified disease severity and comorbidity—in different directions (positive and negative)—as the strongest factors in predicting activities of daily living, symptoms, sentimental and sexual life, and reject. The demographic variables sex, age, education, and employment status also have different impact on the HRQ oL. Conclusions Using HRQ oL measures can be feasible outcomes in addition to clinical assessments of MS and other chronic diseases and can help better managing the care. Some challenges have to be taken into account involving patients and the limitations of our empirical study.