Neurol Sci 2001 Aug;22(4):307-15
Solari A, Radice D.
Laboratory of Epidemiology, C. Besta
National Neurologic Institute, Milan, Italy.
We assessed the self-perceived health status of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) living in the Province of Milan, and the consequences of the disease on family, social and occupational status, using a cross-sectional mail survey.
We identified 1350 adults with MS living in the Province of Milan.
To a random sample of 400 of these, we sent out the multiple sclerosis quality-of-life-54 questionnaire (MSQOL-54), the proxy version of the short form-36 (SF-36), and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire.
We received 261 replies (65%).
Demographic and clinical data of
responders and non-responders were similar except for frequency of hospitalisation
over the last year, which was higher in responders.
Compared to Italian norms, the MS
patients had lower scores in all SF-36 domains; the differences were greatest
for physical function, physical role limitations, vitality, and general
health perceptions.
Unemployment was 103 (41%) overall,
45% in women, and 54% in the less educated.
A proxy informant was available for
245 (96%) responders.
Concordance between patient and proxy
reports on the SF-36 was moderate to excellent.
MS had a pervasive impact on patients'
lives, with substantial negative consequences for family and working life,
that generally make themselves felt in the most active and productive period
of people's live.