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Measurement of Health-Related Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Donald G. Brunei ,
Wilma M. Hopman ,
Michael A. Singer ,
Catherine M. Edgar  and
Thomas A. MacKenzie
Donald G. Brunei
Affiliation:
Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Kingston General Hospital Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston
Wilma M. Hopman*
Affiliation:
Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Queen’s University, Kingston
Michael A. Singer
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston
Catherine M. Edgar
Affiliation:
Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Kingston General Hospital
Thomas A. MacKenzie
Affiliation:
Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Queen’s University, Kingston
*
Department of Community Health and Epidemiology. Abramsky Hall, Queen’s University, Kingston. Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
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Abstract:

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Background: Patient outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) have generally been measured by their neurological impairment using specific scales such as the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). However, this scale does not measure the multiple dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) such as functional status and general well-being, which are also important outcomes along with disease-specific measurements. Methods: HRQOL was measured in a group of 97 MS patients using the RAND 36-item Health Survey 1.0. The EDSS score was assigned by the clinic neurologist. Additional data were collected from the clinical record for each patient. Results: MS patients scored poorly in a number of HRQOL domains such as physical and role functioning and energy or vitality. Disability as quantified by the EDSS correlated only with the physical functioning domain. Regression models were developed to measure the relationship between patient characteristics (independent variables) and HRQOL domains (dependent variables). Discussion: A number of patient characteristics were associated with higher or lower scores on the HRQOL domains. Of particular interest is the finding that a family history of MS was associated with poorer physical and social functioning as well as more pain and less vitality. The occurrence of seizures had a negative impact on role functioning, social functioning and general health perceptions. HRQOL gives caregivers a broader measure of disease burden than the EDSS alone, and should be useful in planning and monitoring interventions.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 23 , Issue 2 , February 1996 , pp. 99 - 103
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1996

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