BACKGROUND: Most people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have periodic and unpredictable relapses as part of their disease course. Relapses often affect functional abilities, resulting in diminished productivity and lower quality of life. Considering the effects, rehabilitation can play an important role in facilitating recovery; yet, the current literature suggests a lack of postrelapse rehabilitation services use. This study aims to document postrelapse rehabilitation services use and estimate the extent to which predisposing characteristics, perceived need, and enabling resources were associated with postrelapse rehabilitation services use in adults with MS. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used convenience sampling, and data from 73 adults with MS who recently had a relapse in the United States and Canada were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 25 participants (34.2%) reported using postrelapse rehabilitation services. The regression model identified three variables associated with postrelapse rehabilitation services use: age (odds ratio [OR], 1.075), self-reported quality of life (considerably affected by the most recent relapse [OR, 5.717]), and presence of helpful health care providers (for obtaining postrelapse rehabilitation services [OR, 5.382]). CONCLUSIONS: Most participants experienced a range of symptoms or limitations because of their most recent relapse, affecting their daily activity and quality of life. However, only one-third of the participants reported using postrelapse rehabilitation services, which focused on the improvement of their physical health. Regression modeling revealed that three population characteristics of the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization were associated with postrelapse rehabilitation services use.
BACKGROUND: Most people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have periodic and unpredictable relapses as part of their disease course. Relapses often affect functional abilities, resulting in diminished productivity and lower quality of life. Considering the effects, rehabilitation can play an important role in facilitating recovery; yet, the current literature suggests a lack of postrelapse rehabilitation services use. This study aims to document postrelapse rehabilitation services use and estimate the extent to which predisposing characteristics, perceived need, and enabling resources were associated with postrelapse rehabilitation services use in adults with MS. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used convenience sampling, and data from 73 adults with MS who recently had a relapse in the United States and Canada were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 25 participants (34.2%) reported using postrelapse rehabilitation services. The regression model identified three variables associated with postrelapse rehabilitation services use: age (odds ratio [OR], 1.075), self-reported quality of life (considerably affected by the most recent relapse [OR, 5.717]), and presence of helpful health care providers (for obtaining postrelapse rehabilitation services [OR, 5.382]). CONCLUSIONS: Most participants experienced a range of symptoms or limitations because of their most recent relapse, affecting their daily activity and quality of life. However, only one-third of the participants reported using postrelapse rehabilitation services, which focused on the improvement of their physical health. Regression modeling revealed that three population characteristics of the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization were associated with postrelapse rehabilitation services use.
Entities:
Keywords:
Health services utilization; Multiple sclerosis (MS); Rehabilitation; Relapse
Authors: P Kersten; D L McLellan; K Gross-Paju; N Grigoriadis; R Bencivenga; C Beneton; M Charlier; P Ketelaer; A J Thompson Journal: Clin Rehabil Date: 2000-02 Impact factor: 3.477