Effect of Fatigue, Depression and Cognitive Dysfunction on Participation in Leisurely Activities among People with Multiple Sclerosis

Leisure as one of the most important aspects of life among people with multiple sclerosis may be influenced by several factors. This study examined the effects of fatigue, depression and cognitive impairment on the individual's leisure.
This is an analytical cross – sectional study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 35 participants with multiple sclerosis aged 21-55 from among the patients treated at an occupational therapy clinic in Hamadan. The research instruments were Tondnevis leisure Questionnaire, Fatigue Severity Scale, Beck Depression Inventory test and Mini-Mental Status Examination. SPSS software was used to analyze the data.
A significant relationship was found between leisure time and depression (r=0.385) and fatigue (r=0.499), but no significant relationship was found between leisure and cognitive dysfunction (r=0.226).
Results suggested a strong positive association between depression, fatigue and Leisure, indicating that elevated levels of fatigue and depression reduce leisure time among patients with multiple sclerosis.