International Sample Of People Research Articles

Longitudinal associations between quality of diet and disability over 7.5 years in an international sample of people with multiple sclerosis.

Modifiable lifestyle factors, including diet, have been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) progression, but prospective evidence is limited. The aim of this study was to examine prospective relationships between quality of diet and subsequent disability over 7.5 years in an international cohort of people living with MS (pwMS). Data from 602 participants in the HOLISM (Health Outcomes and Lifestyle In a Sample of people with Multiple sclerosis) study were analysed. Quality of diet was assessed using the modified Diet Habits Questionnaire (DHQ). Disability was assessed using the Patient-determined MS Severity Score (P-MSSS). Characteristics of disability were assessed by log-binomial, log-multinomial and linear regression, adjusted for demographic and clinical covariates, as appropriate. Higher baseline total DHQ scores (>80-89, >89%) were associated with lower risks of increased P-MSSS at 7.5 years (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23, 0.91 and aRR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26, 0.89, respectively), and with less P-MSSS accrual (aβ = -0.38, 95% CI -0.78, 0.01 and aβ = -0.44, 95% CI -0.81, -0.06). Of the DHQ domains, fat subscore was most strongly associated with subsequent disability. Participants with reducing baseline-to-2.5- years total DHQ scores had greater risk of increased P-MSSS at 7.5 years (aRR 2.77, 95% CI 1.18, 6.53) and higher P-MSSS accrual (aβ = 0.30, 95% CI 0.01, 0.60). Participants reporting baseline meat and dairy consumption had greater risk of increased P-MSSS at 7.5 years (aRR 2.06, 95% CI 1.23, 3.45 and aRR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25, 3.25) and higher P-MSSS accrual (aβ = 0.28, 95% CI 0.02, 0.54 and aβ = 0.43, 95% CI 0.16, 0.69, respectively). However, reported meat consumption was confounded by quality of diet. Changes in meat or dairy consumption from baseline were inconsistently associated with subsequent disability. We show for the first time robust long-term associations between quality of diet and subsequent disability progression in pwMS. Subject to replication, dietary modification may represent a point of intervention for reducing disability in pwMS.

Shifts in cannabis use at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic among Global Drug Survey respondents from 13 countries

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted cannabis distribution, access and usage worldwide. This study aims to describe self-reported changes in cannabis use and related outcomes following COVID-19-related restrictions among an international sample of people who use drugs.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from the Global Drug Survey COVID-19 Special Edition, the authors identified 20,417 respondents from 13 countries who reported whether the number of THC-containing cannabis usage days changed compared with February 2020 (before COVID-19 restrictions). Using descriptive statistics and a multinomial multivariable logistic regression, the authors investigated the impact of changes in cannabis use on respondents’ mental health, physical health, relationships, finances, work/study performance and cannabis-related pleasure/enjoyment.FindingsSimilar proportions of respondents reported that their cannabis use had stayed the same (38.2%) or increased (38.3%) compared with February 2020, while 21.9% of respondents reported a decrease. The most common reason for increased use was having more time (68.4%), while decreased use was associated with having less contact with people they use cannabis with (58.4%). The likelihood of reporting worse mental and physical health, finances, and work/study performance following COVID-19 restrictions was highest among those who reported increased cannabis use.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings provide a unique understanding of the short-term international impact of initial COVID-19 restrictions on cannabis use, and highlight the need for policy to address the ongoing and improved provision of evidence-based mental health and other support for people who frequently use cannabis.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the world’s largest international study exploring the impacts of these changes in cannabis use following initial COVID-19 restrictions on individuals’ mental health, physical health, relationships, finances, work/study performance and cannabis-related pleasure. This study is also unique in comparing these changes across multiple continents.

Higher diet quality is associated with short and long-term benefits on SF-6D health state utilities: a 5-year cohort study in an international sample of people with multiple sclerosis

Background/PurposeHealth state utilities (HSU) are a subjective measure of an individual's health-related quality of life (HRQoL), adjusted by societal or patient relative preference weights for living in different states of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), derived from patient-reported responses to multi-attribute utility instrument (MAUI), and can be used as inputs for cost-utility analyses and in clinical assessment. This research assessed associations of diet with subsequent HSU in a large international cohort of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a progressive autoimmune condition of the central nervous system.MethodsHSUs were generated from responses to Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D) MAUI, and quality-of-the-diet by Diet Habits Questionnaire (DHQ). Cross-sectional, and short- and long-term prospective associations of DHQ with HSU evaluated by linear regression at 2.5- and 5-years. Pooled prospective associations between DHQ and HSU evaluated using linear and quantile regression. Analyses adjusted for relevant demographic and clinical covariates.ResultsAmong 839 participants, baseline DHQ scores showed short- and long-term associations with subsequent HSU, each 10-unit increase in total DHQ score associated with 0.008–0.012 higher HSU (out of 1.00). These associations were dose-dependent, those in the top two quartiles of baseline DHQ scores having 0.01–0.03 higher HSU at follow-up, 0.03 being the threshold for a minimally clinically important difference. Fat, fiber, and fruit/vegetable DHQ subscores were most strongly and consistently associated with better HSU outcomes. However, baseline meat and dairy consumption were associated with 0.01–0.02 lower HSU at subsequent follow-up.ConclusionsA higher quality-of-the-diet showed robust prospective relationships with higher HSUs 2.5- and 5-years later, substantiating previous cross-sectional relationships in this cohort. Subject to replication, these results suggest interventions to improve the quality-of-the-diet may be effective to improve HRQoL in people living with MS.

Associations of Disease-Modifying Therapies With COVID-19 Severity in Multiple Sclerosis.

Background and ObjectivesPeople with multiple sclerosis (MS) are a vulnerable group for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly those taking immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). We examined the characteristics of COVID-19 severity in an international sample of people with MS.MethodsData from 12 data sources in 28 countries were aggregated (sources could include patients from 1–12 countries). Demographic (age, sex), clinical (MS phenotype, disability), and DMT (untreated, alemtuzumab, cladribine, dimethyl fumarate, glatiramer acetate, interferon, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, rituximab, siponimod, other DMTs) covariates were queried, along with COVID-19 severity outcomes, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, need for artificial ventilation, and death. Characteristics of outcomes were assessed in patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, MS phenotype, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score.ResultsSix hundred fifty-seven (28.1%) with suspected and 1,683 (61.9%) with confirmed COVID-19 were analyzed. Among suspected plus confirmed and confirmed-only COVID-19, 20.9% and 26.9% were hospitalized, 5.4% and 7.2% were admitted to ICU, 4.1% and 5.4% required artificial ventilation, and 3.2% and 3.9% died. Older age, progressive MS phenotype, and higher disability were associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Compared to dimethyl fumarate, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–2.41; aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.48–4.02) and ICU admission (aOR 2.30, 95% CI 0.98–5.39; aOR 3.93, 95% CI 1.56–9.89), although only rituximab was associated with higher risk of artificial ventilation (aOR 4.00, 95% CI 1.54–10.39). Compared to pooled other DMTs, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalization (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.29–2.38; aOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.87–4.07) and ICU admission (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.49–4.36; aOR 4.32, 95% CI 2.27–8.23), but only rituximab was associated with artificial ventilation (aOR 6.15, 95% CI 3.09–12.27). Compared to natalizumab, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalization (aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.13–3.07; aOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.68–4.92) and ICU admission (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 0.85–5.35; aOR 3.23, 95% CI 1.17–8.91), but only rituximab was associated with ventilation (aOR 5.52, 95% CI 1.71–17.84). Associations persisted on restriction to confirmed COVID-19 cases. No associations were observed between DMTs and death. Stratification by age, MS phenotype, and EDSS score found no indications that DMT associations with COVID-19 severity reflected differential DMT allocation by underlying COVID-19 severity.DiscussionUsing the largest cohort of people with MS and COVID-19 available, we demonstrated consistent associations of rituximab with increased risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and need for artificial ventilation and of ocrelizumab with hospitalization and ICU admission. Despite the cross-sectional design of the study, the internal and external consistency of these results with prior studies suggests that rituximab/ocrelizumab use may be a risk factor for more severe COVID-19.

1298Associations of DMT therapies with COVID-19 severity in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Background People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are a vulnerable group for severe COVID-19, particularly those taking immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). We examined the characteristics of COVID-19 severity in an international sample of people with MS. Methods Data from 12 data-sources in 28 countries were aggregated (sources could include patients from 1-12 countries). Demographic (age, sex), clinical (MS phenotype, disability), and DMT (untreated, alemtuzumab, cladribine, dimethyl-fumarate, glatiramer-acetate, interferon, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, rituximab, siponimod, other) covariates were queried, alongside COVID-19 hospitalisation, admission to ICU, requiring artificial ventilation, and death. Characteristics of outcomes were assessed in patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, MS phenotype, and EDSS. Results 657 (28.1%) with suspected and 1,683 (61.9%) with confirmed COVID-19 were analysed. Among suspected+confirmed/confirmed-only COVID-19, 20.9%/26.9% were hospitalised, 5.4%/7.2% were admitted to ICU, 4.1%/5.4% required artificial ventilation, and 3.2%/3.9% died. Older age, progressive MS-phenotype, and higher disability were associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Compared to dimethyl-fumarate, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalisation (aOR=1.56,95%CI=1.01-2.41; aOR=2.43,95%CI=1.48-4.02) and ICU admission (aOR=2.30,95%CI=0.98-5.39; aOR=3.93,95%CI=1.56-9.89), though only rituximab was associated with higher risk of artificial ventilation (aOR=4.00,95%CI=1.54-10.39). Importantly, associations persisted on restriction to confirmed COVID-19 cases. No associations were observed between DMTs and death. Conclusions Despite the cross-sectional design of this study, the internal and external consistency of these results with prior studies suggests their use may be a risk factor for more severe COVID-19. Key messages Anti-CD20 DMTs may be associated with worse COVID-19 severity amongst people with multiple sclerosis.

Associations of DMT Therapies with COVID-19 Severity in Multiple Sclerosis: An International Cohort Study

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may be a vulnerable group for severe COVID-19, particularly those taking immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).Objectives: To examine characteristics of COVID-19 severity in an international sample of people with MS.Methods: Clinician and patient-reported data from 82 countries were aggregated into two datasets of 1,625 and 7,365 patients, respectively. Characteristics of hospitalisation, admission to Intensive Care Unit (ICU), requiring artificial ventilation, and death were assessed in patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 using log-binomial regression.Findings: Only clinician-reported data were used for all analyses. Of 1,625 patients, 481 (29·6%) with suspected and 811 (49·9%) with confirmed COVID-19 were included. Older age, progressive MS, and higher disability were positively associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Anti-CD20 DMTs (ocrelizumab/rituximab) were positively associated with hospitalisation (aPR=1·31, 95%CI=0·88-1·95; aPR=1·63, 95%CI=1·08-2·46), ICU admission (aPR=3·38, 95%CI=1·01-11·32; aPR=3·85, 95%CI=1·13-13·11), and ventilation (aPR=2·78, 95%CI=0·61-12·65; aPR=6·73, 95%CI=1·57-28·84) vs dimethyl fumarate, as well as pooled anti-CD20 DMTs vs all other DMTs (hospitalisation aPR=1·59, 95%CI=1·24-2·03; ICU aPR=2·63, 95%CI=1·48-4·68; ventilation aPR=3·18, 95%CI=1·54-6·58) and vs natalizumab (hospitalisation aPR=1·79, 95%CI=1·07-3·01; ICU aPR=2·03, 95%CI=0·66-6·24; ventilation aPR=2·34, 95%CI=0·57-9·63). Importantly, associations persisted on restriction to confirmed COVID-19 cases. No associations were observed between DMTs and death.Interpretation: Using the largest cohort of people with MS and COVID-19 available, we demonstrated consistent associations of anti-CD20 DMTs with increased risk of hospitalisation, ICU admission, and need for artificial ventilation, suggesting their use may be a risk factor for more severe COVID-19.Funding: Operational costs were funded by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and the Multiple Sclerosis Data Alliance (MSDA), acting under the European Charcot Foundation. MSDA and MSIF receive income from a range of corporate sponsors. This research received funding from the Flemish Government under the Onderzoeksprogramma Artificiële Intelligentie Vlaanderen programme. The central platform was provided by QMENTA and computational resources were provided by Amazon.Declaration of Interests: TK has served on scientific advisory boards for Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme, Novartis, Merck and Biogen, steering committee for Brain Atrophy Initiative by Sanofi-Genzyme, received conference travel support and/or speaker honoraria from WebMD Global, Novartis, Biogen, Sanofi-Genzyme, Teva, BioCSL and Merck and received research support from Biogen. NR & CW have no personal pecuniary interests to disclose, other than being an employee of MSIF, which receives income from a range of corporate sponsors, recently including: Biogen, BristolMyersSquibb (formerly Celgene), Genzyme, Med-Day, Merck, Mylan, Novartis, Roche. JH has received honoraria for serving on advisory boards for Biogen, Celgene, Sanofi-Genzyme, Merck KGaA, Novartis and Sandoz and speaker’s fees from Biogen, Novartis, Merck KGaA, Teva and Sanofi-Genzyme, has served as principal investigator for projects, or received unrestricted research support from Biogen, Celgene, Merck KGaA, Novartis, Roche and Sanofi-Genzyme, and his MS research was funded by the Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Brain foundation. GE has received consulting/speaking fees and research support from Bayer, Novartis, Teva, Sanofi Genzyme, Merck Serono, Biogen Idec, and Roche. TS has served on scientific advisory boards for Biogen. RMcB & HS, work for the Accelerated Cure Project for MS (ACP), which has received grants, collaboration funding, payments for use of assets, or in-kind contributions from the following companies: EMD Serono, Sanofi/Genzyme, Biogen, Genentech, AbbVie, Octave, GlycoMinds, Pfizer, MedDay, AstraZeneca, Teva, Mallinckrodt, MSDx, Regeneron Genetics Center, BC Platforms, and Celgene. ACP has also received funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and the National MS Society (NMSS). RMcB. has received consulting payments from EMD Serono, which have been donated to ACP. AB has received consulting fees from and is an advisory board/speaker/other activities for NeuroTransData, and has worked on project management/clinical studies for and received travel expenses from Novartis and Servier. AS has no personal pecuniary interests to disclose, other than being the lead of the German MSRegistry, which receives funding from a range of public and corporate sponsors, recently including The German Innovation Fund (G-BA), The German MS Trust, Biogen, German MS Society, Celgene (BMS), Merck and Novartis. RM has received no personal funding from any sources, but works for the UK MS Register which is funded by the UK MS Society and has received funding for specific projects from Novartis, Sanofi-Genzyme and Merck KGaA. RJF has received personal consulting fees from Actelion, Biogen, Celgene, EMD Serono, Genentech, Immunic, Novartis, Sanofi, Teva, and TG Therapeutics, and has served on advisory committees for Actelion, Biogen, Immunic, and Novartis, and received clinical trial contract and research grant funding from Biogen and Novartis. AvdW has received honoraria and unrestricted research funding from Novartis, Biogen, Roche, Merck and Sanofi. JIR has received honoraria from Novartis as a scientific advisor, and has received travel grants and attended courses and conferences on behalf of Merck-Serono Argentina, Novartis Argentina. GSdO has received honoraria for lecturing and support for congress participation from Biogen, Merck, Novartis, Sanofi/Genzyme, EMS and Roche. MM has served on scientific advisory board for Biogen, Sanofi, Roche, Novartis, Merck, Abbvie, has received honoraria for lecturing from Biogen, Merck, Novartis, Sanofi, Genzyme, and has received research support and support for congress participation from Biogen, Genzyme, Roche, Merck, Novartis. RA has received honoraria from Novartis as a scientific advisor, travel grants and attended courses and conferences on behalf of Merck-Serono Argentina, Biogen Argentina, Genzyme Argentina, Roche Argentina and Novartis Argentina. RN has received honoraria from Novartis, Roche and Biogen for advisory boards. AZ has received travel expenses for scientific meetings from Biogen, Novartis, and Genzyme, speaking honoraria from Eisai, and a study grant from Novartis. GA has received compensation for consulting services or participation in advisory boards from Sanofi, Merck and Roche; research support from Novartis; travel expenses for scientific meetings from Novartis, Roche, Stendhal, and ECTRIMS; speaking honoraria from Sanofi and Merck; and is a member of the International Women in Multiple Sclerosis (iWiMS) network executive committee. GC has received consulting and speaking fees from Novartis, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Teva Italia Srl, Sanofi Genzyme, Genzyme Corporation, Genzyme Europe, Merck KGgA, Merck Serono SpA, Celgene Group, Biogen Idec, Biogen Italia Srl, F. Hoffman-La Roche, Roche SpA, Almirall SpA, Forward Pharma, Medday and Excemed. LMP has no personal pecuniary interests to disclose, other than being the chair of The MS Data Alliance (MSDA), which receives income from a range of corporate sponsors, recently including Biogen, BristolMyersSquibb (formerly Celgene), Canopy Growth Corporation, Genzyme, Icometrix, Merck, Mylan, Novartis, QMENTA, Quanterix, Roche. SSY, EDB, YM, LG, TP, CG, NL, AP, AA, LEF, AG, SB, AS, IvDM, NN, RI, AED, DG, MFM, JB, AF, and AC have no conflicts of interests to disclose.Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the ethical committee of Hasselt University [CME2020/025]. Individual data sources obtained additional ethics approval as required.

International mixed methods study protocol to develop a patient-reported outcome measure for all types of chronic wounds (the WOUND-Q)

IntroductionMost patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) for chronic wounds are specific to a single wound type (eg, pressure ulcer) or part of the body. A barrier to outcome assessment in wound...

P377 Attitudes and experiences of physical activity among an international sample of people with cystic fibrosis and their support teams

P377 Attitudes and experiences of physical activity among an international sample of people with cystic fibrosis and their support teams

Pain in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Associations with Modifiable Lifestyle Factors, Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, and Mental Health Quality of Life.

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience pain, which can interfere with mobility, employment, and quality of life (QOL). This cross-sectional study explored associations between pain, demographic, disease, and modifiable lifestyle factors in an international sample of people with MS recruited online. Substantial pain, of moderate/severe intensity and interfering at least moderately with work/household or enjoyment of life in the past 4 weeks, was reported by 682/2,362 (28.9%). Substantial pain was associated with fatigue (odds ratio (OR): 6.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.9,9.3), depression (OR:4.0, 95% CI:3.2,5.1), anxiety (OR:2.4, 95% CI:1.9,2.9), and lower mental health QOL (Mean Difference: -14.7, 95% CI:-16.6,-12.8). Regression analyses showed that smoking (OR: 2.0, 95% CI:1.35,2.87) and obesity (OR:2.1, 95% CI: 1.5,2.8), moderate alcohol use (OR: 0.7, 95% CI:0.5,0.9), moderate (OR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.55,0.98) or high (OR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4,0.8) physical activity level, and healthy diet (OR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.75,0.95, per 10 points) were associated with substantial pain. Our results show clear associations with modifiable lifestyle factors and substantial pain in MS. These factors are already considered in the prevention and management of pain in other populations but have not previously been considered in MS. Conversely, pain and associated common MS comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety, and fatigue, may hamper efforts to start or maintain healthy behaviors. Strategies to overcome these barriers need to be considered. Further research should clarify the direction of these associations.

Energy drink use frequency among an international sample of people who use drugs: Associations with other substance use and well-being

ObjectiveThe study aims were to identify: i.) energy drink (ED), caffeine tablet, and caffeine intranasal spray use amongst a sample who report drug use, and ii.) the association between ED use frequency and demographic profile, drug use, hazardous drinking, and wellbeing. MethodParticipants (n=74,864) who reported drug use completed the online 2014 Global Drug Survey. They provided data on demographics, ED use, and alcohol and drug use, completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI), and reported whether they wished to reduce alcohol use. ResultsLifetime ED, caffeine tablet and intranasal caffeine spray use were reported by 69.2%, 24.5% and 4.9%. Median age of ED initiation was 16 years. For those aged 16–37, median years using EDs increased from 4 to 17 years of consumption, where it declined thereafter. Greater ED use frequency was associated with: being male; under 21 years of age; studying; and past year caffeine tablet/intranasal spray, tobacco, cannabis, amphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine use. Past year, infrequent (1–4days) and frequent (≥5days) past month ED consumers reported higher AUDIT scores and lower PWI scores than lifetime abstainers; past month consumers were less likely to report a desire to reduce alcohol use. ConclusionsED use is part of a complex interplay of drug use, alcohol problems, and poorer personal wellbeing, and ED use frequency may be a flag for current/future problems. Prospective research is required exploring where ED use fits within the trajectory of other alcohol and drug use.

Prevalence of Comorbidities, Overweight and Obesity in an International Sample of People with Multiple Sclerosis and Associations with Modifiable Lifestyle Factors.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder, often affecting young people. Comorbid disorders such as depression, anxiety and hypertension are common and can affect disease course, treatment, and quality of life (QOL) of people with MS (PwMS). The associations between comorbidities, body mass index (BMI) and health outcomes are not well studied in MS, although research shows most PwMS are overweight. Most data on the prevalence of comorbidities and obesity in PwMS comes from North American populations. This study describes the prevalence of comorbidities, overweight and obesity and associations with modifiable factors in an international sample of PwMS recruited online through social media, MS societies and websites. The online survey consisted of validated and researcher-devised instruments to assess self-reported health outcomes and lifestyle behaviors. Of the 2399 respondents, 22.5% were overweight, 19.4% were obese and 67.2% reported at least one comorbidity, with back pain (36.2%), depression (31.7%), anxiety (29.1%) and arthritis (13.7%) most prevalent and most limiting in daily activities. Obesity and most comorbid disorders were significantly more prevalent in North America. Obese participants were more likely to have comorbidities, especially diabetes (OR 4.8) and high blood pressure (OR 4.5) but also depression (OR 2.2). Being overweight, obese, or a former, or current smoker was associated with an increase in the number of comorbidities; while healthy diet, physical activity (borderline significant) and moderate alcohol consumption were associated with decreased number of comorbidities. Increasing number of comorbidities was related to worse QOL, increased odds of disability and prior relapse. Obese PwMS had higher odds of disability and lower QOL. The associations between BMI, comorbidities and health outcomes are likely to be bi-directional and associated with lifestyle behaviors. Preventing and treating comorbid disorders and obesity in PwMS is warranted, and advice regarding healthy and risky lifestyle may assist in improving health outcomes.

Lifestyle factors, demographics and medications associated with depression risk in an international sample of people with multiple sclerosis

Lifestyle factors, demographics and medications associated with depression risk in an international sample of people with multiple sclerosis

The association of alcohol consumption and smoking with quality of life, disability and disease activity in an international sample of people with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundModifiable lifestyle factors represent important targets for preventive intervention in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to explore the association of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption with major MS morbidity outcomes. MethodsWe surveyed a large, international sample of people with MS recruited via Web 2.0 platforms about type of MS, relapse rates, disability, disease activity, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), alcohol use and smoking. ResultsOf 2469 respondents with confirmed MS, 11.7% were current and 40.3% former smokers. Most (61.5%) consumed less than 15g alcohol weekly; few (0.8%) drank large amounts. Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with increased HRQOL; and after controlling for age and gender, was associated with lower odds of significant disability (41% decrease). After controlling for age, gender and alcohol use, smokers had an increased likelihood of major mobility requirements by 90% compared to never smokers. There was no association between alcohol or smoking and relapse rate or disease activity after controlling for age and gender, however among former smokers, a longer duration of smoking cessation was associated with reduced disease activity. Smokers had significantly lower HRQOL than never smokers and former smokers; heavier smoking was associated with greater decreases in HRQOL. ConclusionThis cross-sectional study supports previous research showing a link between morbidity indicators in MS and alcohol use and smoking. While people with MS should be advised of the potential risks of smoking, any risks and benefits of alcohol consumption require validation using a prospective cohort of people with MS.

Use of a brief version of the self-compassion inventory with an international sample of people with HIV/AIDS

The objective of this study was to extend the psychometric evaluation of a brief version of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). A secondary analysis of data from an international sample of 1967 English-speaking persons living with HIV disease was used to examine the factor structure, and reliability of the 12-item Brief Version Self-Compassion Inventory (BVSCI). A Maximum Likelihood factor analysis and Oblimin with Kaiser Normalization confirmed a two-factor solution, accounting for 42.58% of the variance. The BVSCI supported acceptable internal consistencies, with 0.714 for the total scale and 0.822 for Factor I and 0.774 for Factor II. Factor I (lower self-compassion) demonstrated strongly positive correlations with measures of anxiety and depression, while Factor II (high self-compassion) was inversely correlated with the measures. No significant differences were found in the BVSCI scores for gender, age, or having children. Levels of self-compassion were significantly higher in persons with HIV disease and other physical and psychological health conditions. The scale shows promise for the assessment of self-compassion in persons with HIV without taxing participants, and may prove essential in investigating future research aimed at examining correlates of self-compassion, as well as providing data for tailoring self-compassion interventions for persons with HIV.

Rates and correlates of employment in people with schizophrenia in the UK, France and Germany

Little is known about international variations in employment rates among people with schizophrenia or about the factors associated with employment in this disorder. To describe employment patterns and the variables associated with working in an international sample of people with schizophrenia. An analysis was made of baseline data from the European Schizophrenia Cohort study, a 2-year investigation of people with schizophrenia in contact with secondary services and living in France, Germany and the UK (n=1208). Participants were working in all sections of the job market. People who had a degree, were living with their families or had experienced only a single episode of illness were more likely to be working. A continuous illness course, more severe non-psychotic symptoms and drug misuse reduced the odds of employment. There were large variations between centres in employment rates, which were highest in the three German study sites. These differences persisted after adjustment for individual characteristics. Local social contexts may be as important as individual or illness-related factors in explaining employment status.

Bioregulators of Reproduction

<h3>Introduction</h3> Most patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) for chronic wounds are specific to a single wound type (eg, pressure ulcer) or part of the body. A barrier to outcome assessment in wound care and research is the lack of a rigorously designed PROM that can be used across wound types and locations. This mixed method study describes the protocol for an international collaboration to develop and validate a new PROM called the WOUND-Q for adults with chronic wounds. <h3>Methods and analysis</h3> In phase I, the qualitative approach of interpretive description is used to elicit concepts important to people with wounds regarding outcome. Participants from Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the USA are aged 18 years and older and have a wound that has lasted 3 months or longer. Interviews are digitally recorded, transcribed and coded. A conceptual framework and preliminary item pool are developed from the qualitative dataset. Draft scales are formed to cover important themes in the conceptual framework. These scales are refined using feedback from people with chronic wounds and wound care experts. After refinement, the scales are translated into Danish and Dutch, following rigorous methods, to prepare for an international field-test study. In phase II, data are collected in Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the USA. An international sample of people with a large variety of chronic wounds complete the WOUND-Q. Rasch Measurement Theory analysis is used to identify the best subset of items to retain for each scale and to examine reliability and validity. <h3>Ethics and dissemination</h3> This study is coordinated at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston, USA). Ethics board approval was received at each participating site for both study phases. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences and meetings.