Social support network and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients

Costa, David CastroSá, Maria JoséCalheiros, José2020-09-182020-09-182017-050004-282Xhttp://hdl.handle.net/10284/8985To analyse the relationship between the social support network (SSN) and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: The sample comprised 150 consecutive MS patients attending our MS clinic. To assess the socio-demographic data, a specifically designed questionnaire was applied. The HRQOL dimensions were measured with the Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire-SF36 and the SSN with the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Spearman’s correlation was used to compare the magnitude of the relationship between the SSN and HRQOL. Results: The mean patient age was 41.7 years (± 10.4; range: 18–70 yr); the mean Expanded Disability Status Score was 2.5 (±2.4; range: 0–9). There was a statistically significant correlation between the structure of the SSN and the HRQOL. Conclusion: The composition of the SSN, social group membership and participation in voluntary work have an important role in the HRQOL of patients with MS.Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre a rede de apoio social (RAS) e a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde (QVRS) em pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM). Métodos: Foram avaliados consecutivamente 150 pacientes na consulta de esclerose múltipla. As dimensões da QVRS foram medidas com Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire-SF36 e a RAS com o Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. A correlação de Spearman foi utilizada para comparar a magnitude da relação entre a RAS e a QVRS. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi 41,7 anos (± 10,4; intervalo: 18–70 anos); a média da EDSS foi 2,5 (± 2,4; intervalo: 0–9). Foi encontrada uma correlação estatisticamente significativa entre a estrutura da RAS e a QVRS. Conclusão: A composição da RAS, a pertença a um grupo social e a participação em trabalho voluntário têm um papel importante na QVRS dos pacientes com MS.engMultiple sclerosisSocial networkingQuality of lifeEsclerose múltiplaRede socialQualidade de vidaSocial support network and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patientsjournal article2020-03-14cv-prod-109422410.1590/0004-282x20170036