[Correlation of perceived social support and some of the demographic factors in patients with multiple sclerosis]

ABSTRACT

Multiple Sclerosis [MS] is a progressive disease and degenerative myelin in the central neurons that its complications provide physical problems and mental illness. However, it seems that social support controlled psychological stresses and improved quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of perceived social support and some of the demographic factors in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. In this descriptive-correlational study, 395 patients of the MS Society in Tehran were selected by continuous sampling. Data gathering instrument was "Social Support Questionnaire" of Nortouse [SSQ]. Cronbach's alpha for this instrument was 0.90. Data was analyzed by SPSS/16. The results showed that 156 patients [39.5%] had perceived social support at moderate levels. Between perceived social supports, age, educational level, employment status and monthly income were significantly correlated. However, between perceived social support and sex, marital status, family or relatives' risk, disease duration and history of hospitalization, significant correlation was not found. Regarding the perception of patients, nurses can by identify the high risk groups and prevent them from the isolation and with appropriate supportive interventions, improve their quality of life