Predisposing Factors for Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

Sexual dysfunction (SD) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) has a detrimental impact on individual health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It is not clear whether SD in multiple sclerosis (MS) is an independent symptom or merely a byproduct of other symptoms such as depression or anxiety. This cross-sectional study of 93 pwMS determines risk factors for SD in MS based on prevalence, HRQoL, and associated disease outcomes. Diagnosis of SD was determined based on the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) and correlated with physical disability (measured by Expanded Disability Status scale, EDSS), depression and anxiety [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], and HRQoL [Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54)]. Multivariate regression models were performed to determine independent risk factors for SD in pwMS. Almost half of the participants in this study (46%) reported SD. HRQoL was significantly poorer in patients with MS suffering from SD (median [IQR] MSQoL-54 scores: physical subscale 52 [41–68] vs. 81 [69–89], p < 0.001; mental subscale 50 [38–82] vs. 86 [70–89], p < 0.001). In the multivariate model, EDSS was the only independent risk factor for SD (OR 18.1 for EDSS ≥4 [95% CI 3.3–31.4, p < 0.001]), while depression and anxiety were not. We conclude that the risk for SD is growing with increasing EDSS and is independent of depression or anxiety. Screening for SD becomes particularly relevant in patients with growing disability.

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Quality of Life and Treatment Outcome of Psychiatric Morbidities in Cancer Patients

Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital ◽

10.3126/mjsbh.v12i2.12918 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 12-18

Author(s):

Prashwas Thapa ◽

Namrata Rawal ◽

Yadav Bista

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

World Health Organization Quality

Introduction: Cancer is associated with signiÞ cant psychosocial morbidity and has impact on quality of life.An appropriate psychiatric management of cancer patient may improve the ultimate quality of living.Methods: The objective of this study was to see the outcome of treatment of depression and anxiety and itseffect in quality of life in cancer patients. A cross sectional study was used. A total of eighteen (18) cancerpatients with depression, anxiety; and both depression and anxiety were assessed for quality of life and providedtreatment. The tools used were General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) scale.Results: The study concluded that 43.75% of depressed and 41.66% of anxiety cancer patients improved ontreatment and there also was a signiÞ cant improvement in quality of life, specially in psychological and physicaldomain.Conclusions: Oncology centres should work in close liaison with psychiatrists which can improve the qualityof life of cancer patients.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i2.12918

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A National Representative, Cross-Sectional Study by the Hellenic Academy of NeuroImmunology (HEL.A.NI.) on COVID-19 and Multiple Sclerosis: Overall Impact and Willingness Toward Vaccination

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.757038 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Marina Boziki ◽

Charis Styliadis ◽

Christos Bakirtzis ◽

Eleni Grigoriadou ◽

Aggeliki-Styliani Sintila ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Information And Communications Technology ◽

Online Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

And Behavior

Background: In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the constant needs of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and their caregivers were urgently highlighted.Aim: The present study aims to capture the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in several aspects of the quality of life of PwMS, in perception and behavior to COVID-19 and multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as concerning healthcare, working conditions, and the willingness toward COVID-19 vaccination.Methods: This study is an initiative of the Hellenic Academy of Neuroimmunology (HEL.A.NI.) and it has been included in the MS Data Alliance (MSDA) Catalog, which can be accessed after creating an account on https://msda.emif-catalogue.eu/login. Two online questionnaires were administered: (i) impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life, behavior, and healthcare of PwMS (Questionnaire A) and (ii) vaccination against COVID-19 (Questionnaire B). People with MS were invited to participate by the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS).Results: Three-hundred-ninety PwMS responded to Questionnaire A, whereas 176 PwMS provided answers for Questionnaire B. Older age, longer disease duration, and higher MS-related disability were associated with the increased perceived sensitivity toward severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, as well as the increased perceived severity of COVID-19 upon potential infection. A significant proportion of PwMS experienced restricted access to MS-related health professionals, disease-modifying therapy (DMT) prescription, and/or to MS-related laboratory examination due to the pandemic. Subgroups of PwMS reported exacerbated symptoms (i.e., chronic MS-related symptoms, fatigue and/or worsening of pre-existing fatigue, and sexual dysfunction and or/worsening of pre-existing sexual dysfunction). Overall, the majority of the participants reported either a strong willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or a likeliness to undergo vaccination. Being aware of the HEL.A.NI. recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination for PwMS were reported to increase the willingness of the participants to receive the vaccine.Conclusions: Our results highlight the necessity of scientific and patient organizations in taking joint action to increase awareness on health-related issues during the pandemic and to provide accurate and up-to-date guidance for PwMS. Online information and communications technology (ICT) tools for polling public belief and behavior may prove valuable as means of retaining active routes of communication between stakeholders.

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OSTEOPOROSIS AND RISK FACTORS IN THE PATIENTS ON CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS

Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy ◽

10.34071/jmp.2014.6.7 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 50-58

Author(s):

Thi Dung Nguyen ◽

Tam Vo

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Bone Density ◽

Region Of Interest ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chronic Hemodialysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

X Ray ◽

Density Reduction

Background: The patients on hemodialysis have a significantly decreased quality of life. One of many problems which reduce the quality of life and increase the mortality in these patients is osteoporosis and osteoporosis associated fractures. Objectives: To assess the bone density of those on hemodialysis by dual energy X ray absorptiometry and to examine the risk factors of bone density reduction in these patients. Patients and Method: This is a cross-sectional study, including 93 patients on chronic hemodialysis at the department of Hemodialysis at Cho Ray Hospital. Results: Mean bone densities at the region of interest (ROI) neck, trochanter, Ward triangle, intertrochanter and total neck are 0.603 ± 0.105; 0.583 ± 0.121; 0.811 ± 0.166; 0.489 ± 0.146; 0.723 ± 0.138 g/cm2 respectively. The prevalences of osteoporosis at those ROI are 39.8%, 15.1%; 28%; 38.7%; and 26.9% respectively. The prevalences of osteopenia at those ROI are 54.8%; 46.3%; 60.2%; 45.2% and 62.7% respectively. The prevalence of osteopososis in at least one ROI is 52.7% and the prevalence of osteopenia in at least one ROI is 47.3%. There are relations between the bone density at the neck and the gender of the patient and the albuminemia. Bone density at the trochanter is influenced by gender, albuminemia, calcemia and phosphoremia. Bone density at the intertrochanter is affected by the gender. Bone density at the Ward triangle is influenced by age and albuminemia. Total neck bone density is influenced by gender, albuminemia and phosphoremia. Conclusion: Osteoporosis in patients on chronic hemodialysis is an issue that requires our attention. There are many interventionable risk factors of bone density decrease in these patients. Key words: Osteoporosis, DEXA, chronic renal failure, chronic hemodialysis

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Adherence to Therapy, Physical and Mental Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11070672 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 672

Author(s):

Alessandra Buja ◽

Guendalina Graffigna ◽

Simona F. Mafrici ◽

Tatjana Baldovin ◽

Carlo Pinato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Behavioral Interventions ◽

Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Index ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adherence To Therapy

Ensuring multiple sclerosis (MS) patients’ adherence to therapy is often challenging, but it is crucial to their survival and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of the present study was to outline connections between adherence, physical and mental HRQoL, levels of psychological readiness to engage in a treatment, levels of social support, anthropometric, socio-demographic and clinical factors in patients suffering from MS. This cross-sectional study involved a sample of 237 Italian MS patients. A survey was conducted with a structured self-administered online questionnaire using validated measures of quality of life, adherence to therapy and anthropometric, socio-demographic, psychological and clinical variables. A path analysis was used to test the overall structure of the associations between the variables. The pathway indicates a positive association between mental health index and a stronger degree of engagement and being or having been in a long-term relationship. Physical health index was positively associated with age, having an occupation, and having a specific form of MS. Having had relapses in the previous year raised the odds of better adherence to therapy, while an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) reduced them. Our findings could help in the management of MS patients, promoting behavioral interventions that take the psychological and socio-demographic peculiarities of each patient into account with a view to improving their adherence to therapy.

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Increased modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Advances in Rheumatology ◽

10.1186/s42358-020-00157-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 61 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alexandre Moura dos Santos ◽

Rafael Giovani Misse ◽

Isabela Bruna Pires Borges ◽

Bruno Gualano ◽

Alexandre Wagner Silva de Souza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Aerobic Capacity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Metabolic Equivalent ◽

Handgrip Test

Abstract Background Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (MCRFs), such as those related to aerobic capacity, muscle strength, physical activity, and body composition, have been poorly studied in Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate MCRFs and their relationships with disease status and comorbidities among patients with TAK. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between 2019 and 2020, in which 20 adult women with TAK were compared with 16 healthy controls matched by gender, age, and body mass index. The following parameters were analyzed: aerobic capacity by cardiopulmonary test; muscle function by timed-stands test, timed up-and-go test, and handgrip test; muscle strength by one-repetition maximum test and handgrip test; body composition by densitometry; physical activity and metabolic equivalent by IPAQ, quality of life by HAQ and SF-36; disease activity by ITAS2010 and NIH score; and presence of comorbidities. Results Patients with TAK had a mean age of 41.5 (38.0–46.3) years, disease duration of 16.0 (9.5–20.0) years, and a mean BMI of 27.7±4.5 kg/m2. Three out of the 20 patients with TAK had active disease. Regarding comorbidities, 16 patients had systemic arterial hypertension, 11 had dyslipidemia, and two had type 2 diabetes mellitus, while the control group had no comorbidities. TAK had a significant reduction in aerobic capacity (absolute and relative VO2 peak), muscle strength in the lower limbs, increased visceral adipose tissue, waist-to-hip ratio, reduced walking capacity, decreased weekly metabolic equivalent, and quality of life (P< 0.05) as compared to controls. However, there were no correlations between these MCRFs parameters and disease activity. Conclusions TAK show impairment in MCRFs; therefore, strategies able to improve MCRF should be considered in this disease.

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Quality of life in multiple sclerosis: The differential impact of motor and cognitive fatigue

Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational and Clinical ◽

10.1177/2055217321996040 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 205521732199604

Author(s):

Sabina David Ruban ◽

Claudia Christina Hilt ◽

Thor Petersen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Short Form ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

University Hospital ◽

Cognitive Fatigue ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Scale ◽

Assessment And Treatment

Background Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease leading to reduced quality of life. Objectives To investigate whether motor and cognitive fatigue impact differently on aspects of quality of life among patients with multiple sclerosis, independently from bodily disability. Methods 79 patients with multiple sclerosis from Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark were included in an observational, cross-sectional study. Each subject completed two separate questionnaires regarding fatigue (Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale) and one regarding quality of life (Short Form 36). Disability was measured with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)-scores obtained from patient records. Results All fatigue scores were significantly correlated to all areas of quality of life (p < 0,05). This remained significant after adjustment for age, disease duration and EDSS-score. When looking at each type of fatigue separately, cognitive fatigue correlated mainly with mental health aspects of quality of life and motor fatigue with physical health areas of quality of life. Conclusion Increased motor and cognitive fatigue lead to a differential reduction in physical and mental quality of life, independently of bodily disability. This underlines the importance of proper assessment and treatment of fatigue among patients with multiple sclerosis.

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Quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients in Spain

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1191/1352458502ms851oa ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 527-531 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

C-H Chang ◽

D Cella ◽

O Fernández ◽

G Luque ◽

P de Castro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Objective: The cross-sectional study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (FAMS) Spanish version and its use in measuring quality of life (QOL) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Spain. Methods: The FAMS is a factorially derived self-report scale designed to assess six primary aspects of QOL of patients with MS: Mobility, Symptoms, Emotional Well-Being, General Contentment, Thinking and Fatigue, and Family/Social Well-Being. Its Spanish translated version was used to assess QOL of 625 MS patients recruited in an outpatient clinic setting from 58 hospitals in Spain. Internal consistency of the Spanish FAMS was evaluated. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors from demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics, and Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores in predicting FAMS scale scores. Results: Most of the patients are females (66%), and 74% were of the relapsing-remitting (RR) clinical subtype. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were high (range=0.78-0.96), indicating subscale homogeneity comparable to that of the original English version. Linear multivariate regression analyses revealed that the EDSS is a dominant variable in predicting all the FAMS subscales, especially mobility (R2=0.51) and the total scores. Conclusions: The Spanish FAMS is a psychometrically valid instrument that allows clinicians and clinical researchers the ability to measure the QOL concerns of MS patients in Spain.

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Assessing the quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis in Kuwait: a cross sectional study

Psychology Health & Medicine ◽

10.1080/13548506.2017.1366660 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 391-399 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Eman J. Abdullah ◽

Hanan E. Badr

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

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The Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain Characteristics, and Activity Levels of Caregivers During the Rehabilitation Process and the Consequences on Sleep Condition, Health Status, and Quality of Life

Physikalische Medizin Rehabilitationsmedizin Kurortmedizin ◽

10.1055/a-1617-4339 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ayça Uran Şan ◽

Ahmet Onur Çakiryilmaz ◽

Sinem Uyar Köylü ◽

Tuğba Atan ◽

Serdar Kesikburun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Health Assessment ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Sleep Condition ◽

Assessment Questionnaire

Abstract Objective Taking care of a patient can significantly impact both physical and psychological statuses of caregivers. This study aimed to examine musculoskeletal problems, health status, and quality of life of caregivers. This study is novel in determining musculoskeletal disorders, pain characteristics, activity levels, sleep condition, general and psychological health statuses, and quality of life of caregivers. Design A cross-sectional study Patients and Methods A total of 240 participants were enrolled in this prospective and cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary rehabilitation center (patients, n = 120; caregivers, n = 120). The demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded during the evaluation process. The Functional Ambulation Classification Scale (FAS) and Barthel Scale scores of the patients were determined. The pain level of the caregivers was evaluated according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)–short form was used to evaluate caregivers’ activity levels. The quality of life of caregivers was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Scales score (WHOQOL-BREF). The anxiety and depression status of the caregivers were interpreted using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, The health level of the caregivers was evaluated using the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Results A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and the pain duration of the caregiver (month) (P = 0.000, r = 0.766). the caregivers who provided longer-term care for their patients (hours per week) had higher VAS scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.944). A significant reverse correlation was found between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and IPAQ-Walking MET (metabolic equivalent) scores (minutes/week) (P = 0.000, r = –0.811). On the contrary, a positive significant association was detected between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and IPAQ-Vigorous MET scores (minutes/week) due to the caregiving activities of the patients such as lifting, positioning, and so forth. Also, a significant positive correlation was observed between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and Hospital Depression Scale scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.394), Hospital Anxiety Scale scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.548), and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.415). Conclusion Providing protective exercise programs, including walking activity, to caregivers and organizing education programs that include caregiving techniques can positively affect the quality of life of caregivers.

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