Abstract
BackgroundEvaluating the usefulness of treatment requires a direct measurement of the health-related quality of life (QOL). Therefore, this study was carried out aiming to determine the QOL of patients with MS and voiding dysfunction.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out using multi-stage random cluster sampling method on 602 patients with MS in Isfahan, Iran. All data were collected through interviews using standard questionnaires including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests.ResultsThe prevalence rate of mixed, irritative, and obstructive urinary symptoms was 52.2, 25.5, and 6.5%, respectively. The mixed symptom had the highest prevalence among men and women with rates of 56.5 and 51.1%, respectively. The prevalence of irritative and obstructive symptoms was, respectively, higher and statistically significant among women alone and men alone (P < 0.05). The prevalence of irritative symptoms was higher among patients with MS, EDSS score ≤ 3, disease duration of less than 5 years, and with clinically isolated syndrome. In addition, the prevalence of mixed symptoms was higher among patients with MS of over 30 years of age with a Pre-high school degree, severe disability, disease duration of over 10 years, and progressive MS; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was a difference in the combined dimensions of physical and mental health of QOL between the two groups with and without urinary symptoms (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that there was a higher probability of a urinary problems among patients with MS and high age [3.273 (1.083–9.860); P = 0.035].ConclusionsMixed urinary symptoms are highly prevalent among MS patients and affect QOL dimensions. In order to improve QOL, more attention and focus should be paid to urinary problems in MS patients.
Highlights
Evaluating the usefulness of treatment requires a direct measurement of the health-related quality of life (QOL)
Patients with Multiple sclerosis (MS) and bladder dysfunction reported that lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) constrained their daily activities, and the physical and clinical burden associated with MS and urinary incontinence (UI) negatively affected their QOL, causing feelings of shame, depression, skin fragility, and social isolation [10]
Bladder dysfunction has a negative effect on the sexual performance of the patient and is a threat to the upper urinary tract as it can lead to permanent urinary tract disorder; it has been recognized as a health problem among this population [15,16,17]
Summary
Evaluating the usefulness of treatment requires a direct measurement of the health-related quality of life (QOL). LUTS limits their lifestyle choices, and they require facilities to facilitate their urination in the bathroom and become dependent on caregivers [11, 12] This complication reduces their participation in health development programs, and the secondary complications of the disease increase and their QOL is further reduced [13]. A longitudinal study showed that the ratio of patients with MS and at least one symptom of bladder dysfunction significantly increased over time both among men and women and had a significant relationship with high levels of physical disability and health-related QOL at any point of follow-up for both men and women with MS. A longitudinal study showed that the ratio of patients with MS and at least one symptom of bladder dysfunction significantly increased over time both among men and women and had a significant relationship with high levels of physical disability and health-related QOL at any point of follow-up for both men and women with MS. [21]
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