Self-efficacy and Physical and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis.

Abstract

There is evidence of a demographic shift in the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) such that it is now common in older adults. Older adults with MS undergo declines in function, and aging with MS may compromise one's perception of confidence for managing this disease and its manifestations. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between self-efficacy and physical and cognitive function in older (≥ 60 years) adults with MS. The sample included 40 older adults with MS who completed the Multiple Sclerosis Self-efficacy (MSSE) Scale, undertook measures of physical and cognitive function, and wore an accelerometer for 7 days. The data were analyzed using partial Spearman correlations and linear regression. Correlation analyses indicated that function, but not control, subscale scores on the MSSE Scale correlated with all measures of physical, but not cognitive, function. Linear regression analyses indicated that the function subscale of the MSSE Scale was the only variable that consistently explained variance in physical function outcomes. The findings are novel evidence of the association between self-efficacy for function and physical function outcomes in older adults with MS. Future research on self-efficacy is warranted with the goal of improving physical function in older adults with MS.