Social support network and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients / Rede de apoio social e qualidade de vida de pacientes com esclerose múltipla

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Objective To 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.

RESUMO

RESUMO 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.