David Castro Costa1, Maria José Sá1,2, José Manuel Calheiros3. 1. Centro Hospitalar São João, Departamento de Neurologia, Porto, Portugal. 2. Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Porto, Portugal. 3. Universidade Beira Interior, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Covilhã, Portugal.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the relationship between the social support network (SSN) and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. METHODS: The sample comprised 150 consecutive MS patients attending our MS clinic. To assess the socio-demographic data, a specifically designed questionnaire was applied. The HRQOL dimensions were measured with the Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire-SF36 and the SSN with the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Spearman's correlation was used to compare the magnitude of the relationship between the SSN and HRQOL. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 41.7 years (± 10.4; range: 18-70 yr); the mean Expanded Disability Status Score was 2.5 (±2.4; range: 0-9). There was a statistically significant correlation between the structure of the SSN and the HRQOL. CONCLUSION: The composition of the SSN, social group membership and participation in voluntary work have an important role in the HRQOL of patients with MS.
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the relationship between the social support network (SSN) and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. METHODS: The sample comprised 150 consecutive MS patients attending our MS clinic. To assess the socio-demographic data, a specifically designed questionnaire was applied. The HRQOL dimensions were measured with the Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire-SF36 and the SSN with the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Spearman's correlation was used to compare the magnitude of the relationship between the SSN and HRQOL. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 41.7 years (± 10.4; range: 18-70 yr); the mean Expanded Disability Status Score was 2.5 (±2.4; range: 0-9). There was a statistically significant correlation between the structure of the SSN and the HRQOL. CONCLUSION: The composition of the SSN, social group membership and participation in voluntary work have an important role in the HRQOL of patients with MS.