The Quality of Life among Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Isfahan, 2011

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the progressive and chronic disorders that cause damage in myelin of the central nervous system (CNS) and spinal cord. It therefore results in some complications in patients. Physical impairments and psychological changes can affect MS patient's self-esteem and quality of life. This study was designed to measure the quality of life in MS patients living in Isfahan. This was a cross-sectional survey on members of Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Association. Using stratified cluster sampling method, 251 patients were selected from all MS patients (n = 4250) who referred to Alzahra Clinic. Demographic data was recorded. Data was collected by the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 Instrument (MSQOL-54) standard questionnaire through self-reporting. Almost 50% of the patients were female. The mean age of participants was 36.34 ± 10.10 years (range: 17-61). The mean scores (out of 100) of two dimensions of overall quality of life in physical health and mental health were 47.18 ± 15.69 and 44.95 ± 15.46 respectively. The lowest and highest scores among the 12 subscales were related to role limitations due to physical problems (43.5± 23.4) and social function (54.4 ±14.7), respectively. Inverse correlations were seen between age, disease duration and kind of disorder with overall quality of life scores in 2 areas (P < 0.001). There were also significant correlations between income and the level of education with overall quality of life scores in 2 areas (P < 0.001). Pearson's correlation indicated a positive relationship between physical health and mental health. A relationship between demographic variables and patient's quality of life was observed. Therefore, in order to promote quality of life in patients, a multidisciplinary approach and appropriate interventions should be implemented.