Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of perceived limitations, stigma and sense of
coherence on quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Department of Neurology, University Medical
Center Groningen, the Netherlands. SUBJECTS:
Multiple sclerosis patients. MAIN
MEASURES: World Health Organization Quality of Life - abbreviated version, Stigma
Scale for Chronic Illness, Sense of Coherence Scale, background and
disease-related questions. RESULTS: In total, 185 patients (61% response rate)
participated in the study with moderate to severe limitations. Stigma was highly
prevalent but low in severity. Patients with a higher sense of coherence
experienced a lower level of limitations ( B = -0.063, P < 0.01) and less stigma
(enacted stigma B = -0.030, P < 0.01; self-stigma B = -0.037, P < 0.01). Patients
with a higher level of limitations experienced more stigma (enacted stigma B =
0.044, P < 0.05; self-stigma B = 0.063, P < 0.01). Patients with a higher sense
of coherence experienced better quality of life (physical health B = 0.059, P <
0.01; psychological health B = 0.062, P < 0.01; social relationships B = 0.052, P
< 0.01; environmental aspects B = 0.030, P < 0.01). Patients with a higher level
of limitations experienced poorer quality of life (physical health B = -0.364, P
< 0.01; psychological health B = -0.089, P < 0.05) and patients with more stigma
also experienced poorer quality of life (self-stigma: physical health B = -0.073,
P < 0.01; psychological health B = -0.089, P < 0.01; social relationships B =
-0.124, P < 0.01; environmental aspects B = -0.052, P < 0.01, and enacted stigma:
physical health B = -0.085,
P < 0.10). CONCLUSION: Patients with less perceived
limitations and stigma and a higher level of sense of coherence experienced
better quality of life. Patients with a higher sense of coherence experienced a
lower level of limitations and less stigma.

Langue : ANGLAIS