COVID-19 influence on the progression of post-traumatic growth in multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The experience of suffering multiple sclerosis (MS) can generate patient personal benefit gain and self-improvement. The global pandemic might play a role in the development of post-trauma growth, as patients can perceive the 2019 coronavirus (Covid-19) as a higher threat than the average due to MS condition. Objectives/Aims: To study possible changes in post-traumatic growth in people with MS and Covid-19 influence. Method(s) The sample comprised 260 participants (179 women and 81 men), receiving health care at Virgen Macarena University Hospital. Mean age was 45.05 years (SD= 10.61), from 19 to 78 years old. The MS type were Relapsing-Remitting (n=228) and Progressive (n=32), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) mean score was 3.21 (SD=1.93), and mean MS duration was 144.77 months since diagnosis (SD=89.33). Post-traumatic growth inventory (PGI-21) was applied to evaluate patient perception of personal benefit on two different occasions (T1) 2018- 2019 and, 18 months later, (T2) 2020-2021. At T2, Covid-19 influence was appraised asking patients if they felt affected or not about the Covid situation. Paired t-test examine changes in Post- Traumatic Growth between T1 and T2. Unpaired t-test tested differences in patients affected (n=123) and not affected (n=137) by Covid-19 at T2. Result(s) From T1 to T2 every subscale relating to others, new possibilities, personal strength, spiritual change, appreciation of life, and PGI-21 total score significantly increased (p<0.0001 for all). Patients affected by Covid-19 reported significant higher scores of PGI-21 subscales and total scores than patients stated not to be affected by Covid-19. Conclusion(s) Patients showed an increase in post-traumatic growth over an 18 months follow-up period, this suggest that elaborating a post-trauma growth is a process that might require time. Additionally, patients who felt affected by Covid-19 presented higher scores in post-traumatic growth. Feeling in an adverse situation, as a global pandemic, might promote the personal benefit gain process in MS.