Quality of Life, Coping, and Social Support in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Oğuzhan Zengin1, Ercüment Erbay2, Buğra Yıldırım3, Özgür Altındağ4
1Cankiri Karatekin University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Social Work, Cankiri, Turkey
2Hacettepe University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Social Work, Ankara, Turkey
3Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Social Work, Manisa, Turkey
4Dicle University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Social Work, Diyarbakir, Turkey
Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, quality of life, coping, social support
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to obtain information concerning the relationship between the sociodemographic attributes, social support systems, coping strategies, and quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. The research was conducted with 214 patients from the MS Society of Turkey.
Results: Sociodemographic variables have an impact on the coping styles of patients with MS. When the relationship between coping and quality of life is examined, there is a positive correlation between the use of problem-focused coping strategies and quality of life, whereas there is a negative correlation between the use of emotion-focused coping strategies and quality of life. The scores of active coping, planning, use of emotional support, and use of instrumental support of patients who received social support were higher, whereas their denial scores were lower.
Conclusion: According to the findings of our study, the sociodemographic attributes and social support mechanisms of patients have an impact on their quality of life, as well as the way they cope with MS.