The effect of peer-led education on depression of multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic and degenerative disease related to the central nervous system that causes depression in patients. Peer group can better encourage their peers to select the appropriate behavior. This study aimed to determine the impact of peer-led education on depression of multiple sclerosis patients in 2011. This quasi-experimental study was performed by selecting 110 multiple sclerosis patients and allocation of randomized two groups of tests and control groups (each group included55 patients). The MS Society of Iran was the research environment. After preparing the peer group، six training sessions were held during six weeks by peer group for the test group. Data collection tool was a questionnaire named Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to assess patients’ depression; this was completed by both groups before and4months after the program. The data were analyzed using SPSS v. 16 software and chi-square test، paired T and independent T. There was no significant difference in depression score between two groups before intervention but the difference was shown significant between two groups after intervention using independent t test (P=0. 001). Pair t test showed a significant difference in the depression reduction in the test group after peer group performance (P=0. 000)، whereas the same test showed no significant difference in the control group. Peer-led education caused depression reduction in patients with MS. Hence use of this teaching method in multiple sclerosis and patients with chronic diseases is recommended.