Lindsay O Neto1, Elizabeth S Gromisch2, Jessica Sloan3, Tuula Tyry4, Frederick W Foley5,6. 1. Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health of New England, 490 Blue Hills Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06112, USA. LTuttle@stfranciscare.org. 2. Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health of New England, 490 Blue Hills Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06112, USA. 3. Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1700 N Wheeling, St. Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. 4. Dignity Health, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA. 5. Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA. 6. Holy Name Medical Center Multiple Sclerosis Center, Teaneck, NJ, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex, chronic disease that can have debilitating effects on daily activities and well-being, compromising health-related quality of life. One underlying determinant of quality of life (QOL) is perceived illness intrusiveness, which examines the disruptiveness of the condition and/or its related treatment on engagement in interest and activities, in turn affecting psychological functioning. There is evidence that persons with MS (PwMS) have higher level of illness intrusiveness compared to those with other chronic conditions; however, limited research exists on differences by sex. This study aimed to explore these possible differences between men and women, hypothesizing that men with MS will have overall higher illness intrusiveness (lower QOL) when compared to women with MS. METHODS: A total of 922 PwMS were primarily recruited through the North American Research Committee on MS Registry. The participants completed a one-time anonymous online survey. Illness intrusiveness was measured using the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS) total score and three subscales. Independent t-tests determined differences in demographics, disease characteristics, and IIRS outcomes. Hierarchical regressions were then used to further assess whether sex was a significant predictor of illness intrusiveness. RESULTS: Men exhibited greater overall, intimacy, and relationship and personal development-related perceived illness intrusiveness. However, sex was only a significant predictor of the Intimacy IIRS subscale after accounting for age, disability, and depression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the intrusiveness of MS on intimacy and sexual functioning, particularly among men. Potential clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
PURPOSE:Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex, chronic disease that can have debilitating effects on daily activities and well-being, compromising health-related quality of life. One underlying determinant of quality of life (QOL) is perceived illness intrusiveness, which examines the disruptiveness of the condition and/or its related treatment on engagement in interest and activities, in turn affecting psychological functioning. There is evidence that persons with MS (PwMS) have higher level of illness intrusiveness compared to those with other chronic conditions; however, limited research exists on differences by sex. This study aimed to explore these possible differences between men and women, hypothesizing that men with MS will have overall higher illness intrusiveness (lower QOL) when compared to women with MS. METHODS: A total of 922 PwMS were primarily recruited through the North American Research Committee on MS Registry. The participants completed a one-time anonymous online survey. Illness intrusiveness was measured using the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS) total score and three subscales. Independent t-tests determined differences in demographics, disease characteristics, and IIRS outcomes. Hierarchical regressions were then used to further assess whether sex was a significant predictor of illness intrusiveness. RESULTS:Men exhibited greater overall, intimacy, and relationship and personal development-related perceived illness intrusiveness. However, sex was only a significant predictor of the Intimacy IIRS subscale after accounting for age, disability, and depression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the intrusiveness of MS on intimacy and sexual functioning, particularly among men. Potential clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
Entities:
Keywords:
Illness intrusiveness; Multiple sclerosis; Quality of life; Sex differences
Authors: M Zorzon; R Zivadinov; A Bosco; L M Bragadin; R Moretti; L Bonfigli; P Morassi; L G Iona; G Cazzato Journal: Mult Scler Date: 1999-12 Impact factor: 6.312
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