Life In Multiple Sclerosis Patients Research Articles

Biopsychosocial Correlates of Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating chronic disease that has had increasing prevalence over the last years. We have investigated whether the perceived quality of life is reduced in multiple sclerosis patients compared to control participants with a cross-sectional approach, and how it relates to sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables in MS with multiple regression. To that end, a group of MS patients (n = 50) and a control group (n = 50) that was matched for age and education level filled in the WHOQOL-BREF (perceived quality of life across four domains) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The participants in the MS group also filled in a clinical questionnaire and three instruments measuring psychosocial variables (the DASS-21 for depression, anxiety, and stress, the Brief-COPE for coping skills, and the Meaning in Life Scale). The results showed that the perceived quality of life was lower in the MS group than in the control group. Multiple regression models incorporating the variables that showed significant correlations with the quality of life indicated that age, professional status, recovery from relapses, depression, active coping, and meaning in life predicted at least one domain of the quality of life. Meaning in life predicted the quality of life in all four of the domains. Although the quality of life in MS is linked to multiple biopsychosocial variables, meaning in life seems crucial.

Vocational activity for patients with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually occurs in young adults and, due to its long-lasting course and variety of symptoms, can affect their vocational activity. Our study aimed to evaluate employment status and working activity for persons with MS with regard to disease-related factors, quality of life, and depression. 250 subjects with MS (62 men, 188 women, aged 19-71 years, mean 42.2) responded to a survey into various aspects of their employment. Relationships were sought between work-related issues and disease-related variables [MS type and duration, major symptoms, disability level on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)], quality of life (WHOQOL- -BREF, World Health Organisation Quality of Life brief questionnaire) and depression (BDI, Beck Depression Inventory). Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U, Student's t, and Pearson's chi-squared tests. 71.2% of the patients were employed, and 49.1% perceived an impact of the disease upon their working activity (i.e. job loss, problems with finding a new one, and/or forced change of type and/or character of employment). Unemployed subjects had higher EDSS scores (4.05 vs. 2.34, p < 0.001) and longer disease durations (13.6 vs. 9.4, p < 0.001) than employed ones. They also scored higher on BDI (15.4 vs. 9.05, p < 0.001) and lower in all domains of WHOQOL-BREF (p < 0.001). The consequences of MS negatively influence many work-related factors. Unemployment is associated with a higher frequency of depression and a lower quality of life in MS patients.

Impact on quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients: Which urinary symptoms are to blame?

To evaluate the correlation between the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) subjects, and the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), the bother caused by these symptoms and subjects' quality of life (QoL). This cross-sectional study included 50 subjects with persistent LUTS secondary to MS who were recruited from the registry of a national NGO, between October 2017 and November 2019. Subjects with a history of any disease besides MS that could otherwise explain the presence of LUTS, as well as those with other neurological conditions were excluded. Information including MS duration, subjects' EDSS, voiding and storage LUTS, voiding symptoms' subscore of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS-V), Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores (OABSS), Urinary Bothersome Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis (UBQMS), and urologic QoL (SF-Qualiveen) was gathered. Correlations between these scores were assessed using Spearman's bivariate correlations. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was used to evaluate the difference of impact between voiding and storage LUTS on bother of subjects. The median disease duration was 7±5.8years and the predominant lower urinary symptom was urgency (82%). Median OABSS and IPSS-V were respectively 8±3.8 and 8±3. Subjects were significantly more bothered from storage than voiding symptoms (2 vs. 1.6; P=0.03), and their QoL was directly affected by storage LUTS. Urgency urinary incontinence had the highest positive correlation with SFQ (r=0.542; P<0.01). MS duration and urologic QoL measured by SF-Q were negatively correlated (r=-0.345; P=0.01). In MS patients with LUTS, urologic QoL is mainly affected by storage urinary symptoms. Physicians should use a holistic approach to reduce the risk of complications in these patients, by controlling both voiding and storage symptoms, in particular urgency urinary incontinence that mostly affects patient's QoL.

The Impact of Isokinetic Lower Limb Muscle Strengthening Combined With Focal Spasticity Treatment on Endurance, Strength, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

The Impact of Isokinetic Lower Limb Muscle Strengthening Combined With Focal Spasticity Treatment on Endurance, Strength, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Outcome of short‐term physiotherapy intervention program on early stage of multiple sclerosis ‐ A case report

INTRODUCTIONMultiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune progressive disease of demyelination of central nervous system with subsequent axonal damage. The symptoms are due to central nervous system lesions resulting from loss of oligodendrocytes, which myelinates CNS leading to tingling and numbness of limbs and reactive gliosis with no cure for the disease. But CNS diseased effects are often controlled through rehabilitation.OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDYThe aim of this study is to observe the importance of early physiotherapy rehabilitation along with immunosuppressants to suppress and reduce the symptoms and slows down the disease process beginning from the initial day of hospitalization to six weeks which causes progression in the patient reducing the incapacity and improves functional measures and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. Muscle weakness, and spasticity, balance and coordination can be improved through stretching and strengthening exercises.METHODPatient strictly followed intervention for a period of six weeks under the supervision of Physiotherapist. Intervention includes strengthening, aerobic conditioning, flexibility exercises, coordination exercise, balance exercises, gait training using assistive devices, sensory, functional, bowel and bladder control training. Interventions were gradually progressed up to the patient every week according to their symptoms. Patient was assessed in 1st and 7th week using the outcome measures namely Functional independence measure (FIM) and Short Form survey‐12 (SF‐12) assessing the impact of health on patient’s everyday quality of life.RESULTSAfter the 7th week re‐assessment, it has been shown there is a difference in the value of outcome measures. FIM level has improved from 3‐moderate assistance with helper to 6‐modified independence without helper. SF‐12 physical score showed marked improvement from 48.020307 to 56.57706 while SF‐12 mental score change showed very minor change.CONCLUSIONMultiple sclerosis disease impairment is primarily a consequence of disease progress, but it can be aggravated by reduced physical activity leading to muscle weakness, decreased ROM, spasticity. Exercise and training have been shown to improve the above said deteriorations in multiple sclerosis patients and certainly can be alleviated.Score through FIM and Health survey scale are tabulated as follows Outcome measure Preintervention Postintervention FIM, Functional Independent Measure (in scales) 3‐‐ Moderate Assistance(&gt;= 50%): Helper‐Modified Dependance 6‐‐ Modified, Independence (Device): No Helper SF‐12, Quality of life measure PCS‐12 (Physical Score): 48.020307 MCS‐12 (Mental Score): 59.04606 PCS‐12 (Physical Score): 56.57706 MCS‐12 (Mental Score): 60.75781

Sleep Disturbances, Degree of Disability and the Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Sleep disturbances are pervasive in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), with incidence about four times higher compared to the general population. The most frequent primary sleep problems include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep-related movement disorders, and sleep-disordered breathing. This study aims to assess the relationships between sleeping problems and the quality of life (QoL) in MS patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 MS patients (mean age: 36.27 ± 9.60) between November 2018 and February 2019 at a neurological health center in Wroclaw, Poland. The study was based on a questionnaire that included questions concerning sociodemographic and clinical data in addition to the following standardized questionnaires: Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL). The degree of physical disability was evaluated following the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Analysis of the research material showed that 66.45% of MS patients had insomnia, and 41.45% presented with daytime sleepiness. The QoL of respondents was assessed as average (50.73). Univariate linear regression model analysis showed the effects of professional status, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and degree of disability on the QoL of MS patients. Sleep disturbances are widespread in MS patients. The presence of sleep disturbances (insomnia and daytime sleepiness) significantly affects the QoL of MS patients.

Influence of Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics on Sexual Function Domains of Health Related Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Background:Multiple sclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease of the the central nervous system. Problems with sexual functions are the common features of multiple sclerosis and important factor that contribute to the quality of life among affected persons.Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on sexual functions domains of health related quality of life (HRQOL) in multiple sclerosis patients.Methods:This study included 100 MS patients treated at the Department of Neurology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Inclusion criteria were an Expanded Disability Status Scale score between 1.0 and 6.5, age between 18 and 65 years, stable disease on enrollment. HRQOL was evaluated by the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 questionnaire. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for comparisons between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and HRQOL scores.Results:Out of 60% of patients reported to have sexual dysfunction, and 55 % were female patients. Younger patients had statistical significant higher median value of sexual function score (91.68 vs. 58,28, p=0.001) and satisfaction with sexual life scores (62.5 vs 37.5 , p =0.019) comparing to older patients. Employed patients also showed statistical significant higher median value of sexual function score (82 vs. 66.7, p=0.003) comparing to unemployed patients and also statisticaly significant higher median scores considering satisfaction with sexual life among employed patients (p=0,001). There were no differences in sexual functions scores considering gender, marital status and education. Patients with higher level of disabilty, progressive type of disease, more relapses and longer diseas duration had statistical significant lower median value of sexual function score and also satifaction with sexual life scores, except for disease durationConclusion:Aging, dysability and progression are major factors that contribute to lower sexual function scores and satisfaction with sexual life among multiple sclerosis patients. Althoug women reported sexual problems more often then men, impact of these problems on quality of life are similar in men and women with MS.

Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Influence of Gender, Age and Marital Status.

Background:Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease characterised by a wide range of symptoms and a highly unpredictable prognosis, which can severely affect patient quality of life.Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of gender, age and marital status on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in MS patients.Methods:This study included 100 MS patients treated at the Department of Neurology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Inclusion criteria were an Expanded Disability Status Scale score between 1.0 and 6.5, age between 18 and 65 years, stable disease on enrollment. HRQOL was evaluated by the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 questionnaire (MSQoL-54). Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for comparisons. Linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate prediction value of gender, age and marital status on both physical and mental HRQOLResults:Women had significantly lower QOL scores then men in pain scale (55.00 vs. 76.67; p<0, 05). Younger patients had better physical (54.58 vs. 37.90; p<0.05) and mental health (59.55 vs. 45.90; p<0.05) composite scores. Patients with earlier age of onset scored significantly higher in health perception domain scale (45.00 vs. 32.50, p<0.05). Married patinets scored higher in physical and mental composite scores but with no significant difference except in sexual function (87,51 vs 70, 86, p<0,05) and emotional well being (66,67 vs 33,33; p<0,05) scales. Patient age retined its independent predictivity of physical health composite score (r2=0.063).Conclusion:Aging in MS proved to be important negative factor in predicting physical domains of QOL. Interventions for reducing difficulties caused by physical limitations in older patients, higher level of psychological support for patients with late onset disease and social support for those living alone are important factors in improving HRQOL in MS patients.

Strategies of Coping with Stress and the Quality of Life in Relation to the Adherence to Therapeutic Recommendations in MS — Affected Patients

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, which affects young adults between 20–40 years old. The incidence of MS is increasing worldwide. The symptoms vary and depend on which part of the nervous system is affected. Stress is very common in patients with MS. It can be a risk factor related with relapses of the disease. Coping is defined as the behavioural and cognitive efforts used in an attempt to deal with stressful events. In a long-term treatment, disease modifying therapies are used to reduce the risk of the progression and severity of MS, and reduce the risk of disability. The adherence to therapy has a crucial role in the effectiveness of drugs.Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between coping strategies and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients depending on the degree of adherence.Material and Methods. The study was conducted in 226 patients suffering from MS.Results. It was demonstrated that 23.5% of respondents do not follow recommended treatments. Both adherent and non-adherent patients gave the highest grade to their quality of life in its social and psychological aspects. The most often used strategies of coping with stress both in adherent and non-adherent patients were as follows: active coping, planning, positive reframing, acceptance, seeking emotional support and seeking instrumental support. On the other hand, substance use was the least frequently used strategy, irrespective of the adherence level.Conclusions. The use of the coping-with-stress strategy, associated with an active problem solving and seeking support, plays a positive role in the quality of life of MS patients adhering to therapeutic recommendations. The use of avoidance strategies, i.e. the not taking of actions as well as self-blaming, reduces the quality of life in MS patients, both adherers and non-adherers to recommendations. (JNNN 2021;10(3):112–119)

The Role of Stress Perception and Coping with Stress and the Quality of Life Among Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

PurposeMultiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders and a cause of disability in young adults. Adequate stress management in MS patients may merit the benefits of both physical and psychological well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life in MS patients and its correlation with stress levels and coping strategies.MethodsThis descriptive and correlational study was conducted among 109 patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The study was based on a questionnaire designed by the authors and the following standardized questionnaires: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress (Mini-COPE), and the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire (MusiQoL).ResultsData analysis showed that 47.71% of the patients experienced a high level of stress, and the most often used strategies under challenging situations included seeking emotional support (2.11) and active coping (1.96). Also, it showed that when the level of stress is higher, the QOL in all domains is lower. Coping strategies such as sense of humor, turning to religion, self-distraction, denial, venting, substance use, behavioral disengagement, and self-blame are negatively correlated with the quality of life of MS.ConclusionQuality of life in MS patients is negatively affected by a higher level of perceived stress. The use of coping strategies such as active coping, positive reframing, acceptance, and seeking emotional and instrumental support is positively correlated with the quality of life of MS patients.

Health-related quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients: a European multi-country study

BackgroundInconsistent use of generic and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments in multiple sclerosis (MS) studies limits cross-country comparability. The objectives: 1) investigate real-world HRQOL of MS patients using both generic and disease-specific HRQOL instruments in the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and Italy; 2) compare HRQOL among these countries; 3) determine factors associated with HRQOL.MethodsA cross-sectional, observational online web-based survey amongst MS patients was conducted in June–October 2019. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and two HRQOL instruments: the generic EuroQOL (EQ-5D-5L) and disease-related Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQOL)-54, an extension of the generic Short Form-36 (SF-36) was collected. Health utility scores were calculated using country-specific value sets. Mean differences in HRQOL were analysed and predictors of HRQOL were explored in regression analyses.ResultsIn total 182 patients were included (the Netherlands: n = 88; France: n = 58; the United Kingdom: n = 15; Spain: n = 10; living elsewhere: n = 11). Mean MSQOL-54 physical and mental composite scores (42.5, SD:17.2; 58.3, SD:21.5) were lower, whereas the SF-36 physical and mental composite scores (46.8, SD:22.6; 53.1, SD:22.5) were higher than reported in previous clinical trials. The mean EQ-5D utility was 0.65 (SD:0.26). Cross-country differences in HRQOL were found. A common predictor of HRQOL was disability status and primary progressive MS.ConclusionsThe effects of MS on HRQOL in real-world patients may be underestimated. Combined use of generic and disease-specific HRQOL instruments enhance the understanding of the health needs of MS patients. Consequent use of the same instruments in clinical trials and observational studies improves cross-country comparability of HRQOL.

Different Disease-modifying Treatments do not Affect Quality of Life of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Different Disease-modifying Treatments do not Affect Quality of Life of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

A Prospective, Observational, Cohort Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Prolonged-Release Fampridine in Cognition, Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: The FAMILY Study.

IntroductionThe efficacy of prolonged-release fampridine (PR-FAM) may extend in multiple sclerosis (MS) beyond walking ability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of PR-FAM treatment on cognition, fatigue, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in adult patients with MS in a real-world setting.MethodsFAMILY was a multi-center, prospective, observational, real-world cohort study of MS patients receiving PR-FAM in the outpatient setting. Patients were treated as per PR-FAM’s local prescribing information for 6 months. Standardized protocols and questionnaires were used to evaluate changes in cognition (PASAT; Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test), fatigue (MFIS; Modified Fatigue Impact Scale), depression (BDI-II; Beck Depression Inventory-II) and QoL (MusiQoL; MS International Quality-of-Life questionnaire, MSIS-29; Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale: PHYS and PSYCH subscales) at 3 and 6 months compared to baseline.ResultsIn total, 102 eligible patients from 8 sites in Greece were analysed, of whom 92 completed the study and 10 discontinued. At 6 months, PR-FAM treatment resulted in improvements from baseline in PASAT-3′′ (p = 0.044), MFIS (p < 0.001), BDI-II (p < 0.001), MusiQoL (p < 0.001) and MSIS-29-PHYS (p = 0.012) and MSIS-PSYCH (p < 0.001). A positive effect was evident already at 3 months in PASAT-3′′ (ns), MFIS (p = 0.020), BDI-II (p = 0.034), MusiQoL (p = 0.001), MSIS-29-PHYS (ns) and MSIS-29-PSYCH (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis observational study provides new data to the current literature in support of PR-FAM’s positive effects in cognition, fatigue, depression, and QoL in a large, heterogeneous group of Greek MS patients in the real-world setting.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03164018.Supplementary MaterialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-020-01606-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients receiving medical care at the Palestinian ministry of health's directorates in the west bank, occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and associated factors

Quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients receiving medical care at the Palestinian ministry of health's directorates in the west bank, occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and associated factors

Effect of Aerobic Exercise Program on Quality of Life in Male Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise program on quality of life in multiple sclerosis men as a complementary therapeutic approach to multiple sclerosis.&#x0D; Methods: This was a semi-experimental study. The statistical sample consisted of 60 people was selected by the available sampling method from Kahrizak Nursing Home where was also a member of the Iranian MS society. They were randomly divided into control and test groups. After an introductory session of the patients with the aims and intervention method in the experimental group, 27 sessions of 60 minutes of aerobic exercise program were performed in 9 weeks. Data collection tools consisted of a demographic questionnaire, a short quality of life (SF-8) questionnaire, and self-report checklist with a significant level of p≤0.05. Descriptive statistical tests, independent t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance were used for analysis using SPSS version 16 statistical software with a significance level of p≤0.05.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that there was no significant different between the two groups in terms of the total score (df = 48 = T 21.1, p = 0.23) and dimensions of quality of life (Physical: df = 48, T = 1.31, p = 0.19; mental: df = 48, t = 0.96, p = 0.31) There was no significant difference between the control and experimental groups. The results of repeated measures analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of quality of life dimensions.&#x0D; Conclusion: In general, aerobic exercise, which was chosen as an exercise program in this study, improves the quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients. Therefore, this complementary therapeutic approach is recommended as an effective and cost-effective method in cost and time, as well as the ability to learn and easy to administer to multiple sclerosis patients.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Yoga and Psychotherapy group Therapy Based on Acceptance and Commitment on Fatigue and Quality of Life of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Yoga and Psychotherapy group Therapy Based on Acceptance and Commitment on Fatigue and Quality of Life of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Effects of Comorbid Fibromyalgia Syndrome on activities of daily living in multiple sclerosis patients.

To investigate the frequency of Comorbid Fibromyalgia Syndrome and its effects on quality of life and activities of daily living without any known psychiatric problem (schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) or severe disability, other than depression, in patients with multiple sclerosis, which is known to be a chronic disease in young adults. The study included 103 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, following McDonald criteria, who had relapsing remitting disease. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 were applied for all patients. Results were analyzed using statistical methods. Mean age was 35.04±8.72 years in the study population. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 2.21±0.93. Comorbid Fibromyalgia Syndrome was detected in 20 patients (19.4%). The mean score of Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 was found to be significantly higher in multiple sclerosis patients with Comorbid Fibromyalgia Syndrome when compared to those without it (34.80±9.14 versus 71.67±13.95; p<0.05). These results indicate that increased frequency of Comorbid Fibromyalgia Syndrome in multiple sclerosis causes worsening in activities of daily living and quality of life, delayed diagnosis, disability progression, and increased admission rates. Questioning and appropriately managing Comorbid Fibromyalgia Syndrome in clinical practice are important to improve the quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients.

The Role of Iron Metabolism in Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin for which there is currently no available cure. In the course of MS, next to neurological disorders, patients often present with chronic fatigue syndrome and depressive disorders, which impact on their daily function and quality of life. The aim of study was to analyse the relationship between serum parameters of iron metabolism and the severity of fatigue, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in MS patients. Methods: The study sample consisted of 90 people with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, age range 19–67 years, whose functional status evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale in 90% of the participants did not exceed 3.5 points. Venous blood samples were collected for blood cell count determination and for the purposes of obtaining serum analysed for the concentrations of iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation, unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). The participants were also evaluated according to the Fatigue Severity Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis. Results: Ferritin levels were significantly correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms (r = −0.22; p = 0.04) and quality of life assessment (r = 0.22; p = 0.04) in the MS patients. Moreover, the severity of fatigue and depressive symptoms was significantly linked to a deterioration in quality of life. Conclusions: Ferritin deficiency in MS patients is associated with an exacerbation of depressive disorders and a decline in quality of life. Symptoms of fatigue in MS patients are inversely proportional to mood and quality of life.

Evaluation of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Impact on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Russian Translation and Validation of SF-Qualiveen.

The Short Form Qualiveen (SF-Qualiveen) is an 8-item version of the Qualiveen questionnaire used to evaluate the impact of urinary symptoms on the quality of life in patients with urological dysfunction due to neurological disorders. The questionnaire was never available in the Russian language before. The study is aimed at providing the translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of a Russian version of the SF-Qualiveen for the use in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and Methods. The original English language version of the SF-Qualiveen was translated into Russian according to the cultural and linguistic adaptation algorithm. The participants (50 MS patients with neurogenic bladder and 10 relatively healthy volunteers) filled out the finalized Russian version of the SF-Qualiveen and the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS) twice, 2 weeks apart. The data obtained was used to determine the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), external validity (the Spearman correlation), and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)) of the questionnaire. Results. The mean SF-Qualiveen total score was 2.51 ± 0.79 in patients with a neurogenic bladder and 0.1 ± 0.02 in the control group (p < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha exceeded 0.9 indicating an excellent internal consistency of the questionnaire. The retest did not reveal any significant differences between the findings. The test-retest reliability was good for all items and domains (ICC 0.81-0.89). The total score demonstrated the highest ICC (0.89). The external validity was verified by a strong correlation demonstrated between the SF-Qualiveen and NBSS scores. Conclusions. The Russian SF-Qualiveen questionnaire is a reliable, valid, and consistent tool for the assessment of a urinary disorder impact on the quality of life in patients with MS.

Health Management for Quality of Life of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the associations of health behaviors such as diet, sleep and physical activity with quality of life (QoL) for adults diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other major chronic diseases. The study hypothesizes that healthier diet in addition to an increased level of physical activity is associated with improving overall quality of life for those with MS. Methods The study includes adults aged 40 and older who are registered members of the Michigan Athletic Club in East Lansing, MI, diagnosed with MS, Parkinson's Disease or Arthritis (n = 30). Data on demographic information, previous health history and health behaviors such as mental health, diet, sleep and physical activity are collected. Multivariate regression models are analyzed in order to describe how current health behaviors are associated with quality of life for those with chronic conditions. Results Study results show that physically active MS patients with proper amount and better quality of sleep are likely to have higher overall quality of life. Healthier diet in addition to an increased level of physical activity is also likely to improve overall quality of life for those with MS. Conclusions When the importance of diet, exercise and sleep on MS is understood by the medical community, MS patients can utilize this information to improve their QoL through their own habits. Therefore, this study could lead to better management of symptoms by healthcare professionals and patients, and an improved QoL for those diagnosed with MS. Funding Sources N/A.