Abstract
Introduction: Physical disabilities and psychological changes induced by multiple sclerosis (MS) can influence patients’ self-esteem and quality of life (QoL). Evaluating QoL in individuals with MS can help mitigate certain disabilities and increase remaining functional abilities. This study sought to investigate the QoL of individuals with MS in Yasuj in 2017.
Methods: This analytical descriptive study examined patients with MS whose medical records were available at the Treatment Department of Yasuj University of Medical Sciences. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling approach was adopted. The sample consisted of 100 patients, including 78 females and 22 males. Data collection tools included a demographic information form and the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54) questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 through descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, and Pearson’s correlation test at a 95% confidence interval.
Results: The mean±standard deviation QoL scores for physical health and mental-psychological health were 48.33±16.94 and 48.39±16.63, respectively. The cognitive domain exhibited the highest QoL score (57.95±19.64), while the lowest score was observed in the role limitation domain due to psychological problems (38.91±32.33).
Conclusion: Several of QoL subscales, as well as physical and mental-psychological health domains among MS patients in Yasuj, received below-average scores, highlighting the significant effect of MS on various aspects of a persons’ life. Given the link between personal factors and the QoL of patients with MS, and considering the difficulty or impossibility of modifying some of these factors, it is crucial to develop comprehensive support services aimed at enhancing QoL among this group of patients in Yasuj.