QL08
Sex Differences in Predictors of Illness Intrusiveness in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex, chronic disease (CD) that targets the central nervous system. Studies suggest that the varying nature of the disease course and debilitating effects MS symptoms may have on daily activities and well being can compromise quality of life (QoL). While Persons with MS (PwMS) report a lower QoL than those with other CDs, sex differences in QoL in PwMS have been noted. Sexual dysfunction and increased disability level have been shown to have a greater negative impact on QoL in men. One underlying determinant of QoL in those faced with CD, like MS, is perceived illness intrusiveness. This construct examines how a disease and/or its related treatments disrupt individuals’ engagement in interests and activities, in turn affecting psychological functioning. There is evidence that PwMS have higher levels of illness intrusiveness compared to those with other chronic conditions; however, limited research exists on differences by sex.
Objectives:
To assess sex differences in Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale (IIRS) outcomes in a sample of PwMS.
Methods:
A total of 922 PwMS who were primarily recruited using the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry as part of a larger study were included in this analysis. Demographics and disease characteristics were collected. To measure perceived illness intrusiveness, participants completed a web-based IIRS anonymously. The IIRS total score and three subscales were converted to z-scores using published MS norms. Independent T-test determined differences in demographics, disease characteristics, and IIRS outcomes. Significant differences observed in the t-tests were then further examined using a hierarchical regression to assess whether sex was a significant predictor after accounting for age and disability level, a p-value <0.01 was deemed significant.
Results:
Males were older (t=-3.43, p < 0.01) and had more disability (t=-3.47, p < 0.01) than females. Males scored higher in perceived illness intrusiveness in the total score (t=-3.41, p < 0.01) and the intimacy subscale = (t=-5.70, p < 0.01). The hierarchical regression showed that age, disability level and sex were all significant predictors of the intimacy subscale.
Conclusions:
As compared to females, males in this sample of PwMS reported that their MS has more of an influence on intimacy.