The Relationship between Disability and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: Disability is the most important determinants of disease course, treatment and rehabilitation outcomes and consequently the quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of disability and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 325 patients referred to the physiotherapy unit of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Iran (Tehran). Data collection tools were MSQOL-54 questionnaire for evaluating quality of life and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) for assessing the degree of disability. Data analysis was performed through SPSS16 and using t-test, chi-square test and linear regression. Results: Mean age of patients was 39.1± 10.4 years. Among 14 domains of quality of life, the highest score was related to pain (67.8 ± 25.7) and the least was related to role limitations due to physical problems (31 ± 17.1). Linear regression model showed significant negative effect of disability on both physical and mental health domains of quality of life (P <0.001). Conclusion: The present study showed the association between disability and factors such as age of disease onset and gender and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. Therefore supportive care to reduce disability and maintain patients’ functions at the highest possible level, particularly in women and patients with later age of disease onset, in order to improve the quality of life is recommended. Keywords: Disability, Quality of life, Multiple sclerosis, MSQOL-5