Functional Evaluation of Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Khoy (IRAN)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a common, hidden, degenerative, and progressive chronic disease that is more prevalent in women than in men. It is caused by damage to the myelin of central nervous system and results in neuropathy. The clinical pattern of the disease is 70 percent relapsing - remitting, and depending on the severity and type of nervous involvement, results in a variety of physical, psychological and social disabilities. The present study was designed to determine the functional level of MS patients.

In this cross-sectional study, 70 MS female patients referred to the Health Center for Special Diseases at the Madani Hospital of Khoy in 2016 were selected total samples via Census. Two questionnaires were used: the demographic information form and the 29-question MSISS questionnaire that consists of both physical and psychological dimensions. Data analyses were carried out using SPSS v.16 software for an independent sample T-test, and ANOVA.

The 69% of the sample was comprised of married women, 74% were housewives, 83% were found to be disabled, 77% had a relapsing-remitting form of illness and 89% had no communication problems. The average age was 35 years and the average duration of illness was 4 years. Severe physical disability was found in 11.4% and 17.1% suffered from severe psychological disability. The general disease-related disability was considered mild in 65.7%. Disability was related to age, lifestyle, the presence or absence of a caregiver, the type of illness and communication problems. Physical and psychological dimensions of disability were unrelated (p<0.001).

According to the high rate of psychological disability compared to physical dimension and effects of physical disorders on the soul, it is necessary to minimize the severity of disability by directing and controlling tensions, changes in lifestyle, the use of complementary therapies, rehabilitation Interventions, psychosocial support, and receiving services from the Association for the supportive of MS patients.

Because psychological disability was greater than physical disability, therapy needs to address psychological stressors. Changes in lifestyle, use of complementary therapies, rehabilitation interventions and psychosocial support are recommended. Support associations for MS patients can also be helpful.