Factors Associated with Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Study

Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is among the myriad of symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Although SD is a common symptom of MS; it is a highly understudied symptom that oftentimes goes unreported by both the patient and clinician. SD can impact a person’s mood and quality of life. The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire 19 (MSISQ-19) is a 19-item self-report measure that addresses three dimensions of sexual dysfunction. Gaining a better understanding of the prevalence and nature of SD in patients with MS would help to not only identify patients with SD but also determine contributing factors. This can help identify treatment alternatives available to the patient.

Objectives:

1. To survey the incidence of sexual dysfunction in patients diagnosed with MS using the MSISQ-19, a questionnaire specifically developed for and validated in an MS population.
2. To examine factors associated with sexual dysfunction in MS patients, such as demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, race, and marital status); clinical variables (i.e., smoking status, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System -10 (PROMIS-10), and Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 (PHQ-9) scores); and MS-specific variables (i.e., disease course and duration, use of a walking aid, 25-foot walk time, current use of a Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT), and Multiple Sclerosis Performance Scales (MSPS) scores). 

Methods: In this prospective study, we anticipate a sample size of approximately 200 patients with MS. Participants will complete the MSISQ-9 during one of their neurology appointments at the Mellen Center for MS. This data will be merged with previously collected data from the Knowledge Program (TKP) database, which includes demographic, clinical, and MS-specific variables. We will compute descriptive statistics and the proportion of patients exhibiting any problems for each of the three MSISQ-19 domains In order to examine the factors associated with sexual dysfunction we will create a multivariable linear regression model where the total MSISQ-19 score is the dependent variable.  We will use the nested bootstrap method to create the model. 

Results: In progress.

Conclusions: Data obtained from this study will help identify the need for treatment of SD in patients at the Mellen Center for MS and it will guide our understanding of factors associated with SD. This information will help identify appropriate means of intervention from an interdisciplinary perspective.