Effect of Self-care on quality of life of Multiple Sclerosis patients

Abstract

Introduction: Long term diseases and their psycho-cognitive and physiologic signs affect the quality of life of patients in different life stages and result in further disabilities. Multiple sclerosis (MS), a long-term life threatening disease, can make acute disabilities affecting patients' quality of life. Self-care can well diminish the disease extension and complications, provide the patient with a better quality of life and offer his family a better coping ability against new conditions. So this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of self-care on quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Methods: This was quasi-experimental study. The method of data gathering was questionnaires, which included two sections. The first section covered demographic characteristics such as age and educational level. The second part included life quality questionnaire. Twenty eight patients with MS referred to a private clinic and the neurology clinic of Isfahan Alzahra Hospital were selected by convenient sampling method. They were asked to attend three 45-minute educational sessions. The sessions were held 1 to 2 times per week according to patient's condition and the working shift. Then, they started self-care programs for three weeks. The quality of life questionnaire was filled either by patients or the researcher. The findings were analyzed and compared through descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Findings showed a noticeable increase in mean score of quality of life in physical function (P<0.001), psycho-cognitive domain (P<0.001), social function (P<0.001) and general health status (P<0.001) after educational intervention on self-care program. There was also a sharp increase in total score of quality of life after the intervention compared with that before that the intervention.

Conclusion: The findings showed that self-care could positively affect quality of life. In other words, familial life, economic status and social interactions can be influenced by physical ability improvement.