Social Support in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that causes numerous physical and psychological complications. The chronic nature and frequent problems faced by patients increase the need for support from others. Social support can play a decisive role in adapting the patient to his illness. The present study aimed to determine the status of social support in patients with MS.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on all MS patients referred to the MS Association and Neurology Clinic of Valiasr Hospital, Zanjan. In order to measure the social support status of patients, a Wax questionnaire was used.

The mean age of 202 patients with multiple sclerosis was 34 ± 6.65 years. Among these patients, 152 (75.2%) were women, 136 (67.3%) were married, and 74 (36.6%) had a university education. The mean total score of social support in these patients was 50.9 ± 9.57. A significant relationship was observed between social support and the variables of marital status, place of residence, education, occupation, and income. Using the multiple linear regression model, the level of education and income predicted up to 28% of social support in these patients.

The results of the present study indicated that the level of social support in patients with MS in Zanjan city was moderate. This requires providing more supportive care from their families and friends in order to increase the patient's ability to face the problems and complications of the disease and achieve a better adaptation. Moreover, the relationship of social support with education and income clarifies the role of socioeconomic factors in the amount of support perceived by the patient and the importance of supportive interventions in the target groups.