MOC04
The Role of Comorbidities in Comprehensive Healthcare Utilization Among Persons with Multiple Sclerosis.
Objectives: To determine the association between comorbidities and 1) healthcare utilization and 2) perceived barriers to care.
Methods: Participants (n=185) were PwMS recruited from a comprehensive MS care center. Demographics, comorbidities, and disability level were collected. Participants were also asked if they had used a number of healthcare services over the prior 12 months and about their perceived barriers to care such as distance to medical facilities or lack of transportation. If differences were found between PwMS with and without a comorbidity, regression models were conducted to determine which comorbidity had a role in the difference, controlling for age, gender, race, education, and annual income.
Results: PwMS with a comorbidity had greater healthcare utilization, including a greater number of healthcare provider visits (p<0.001), number of unique healthcare providers seen (p<0.001), inpatient hospital stays (p=0.036), elective surgeries (p=0.034), MRI images (p=0.008), x-ray images (p=0.017), and current medications taken (p<0.001). Several comorbidities, including sleep apnea, anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome, were most frequently associated with increased healthcare use. There was no difference in perceived barriers to care between groups.
Conclusions: While no differences in perceived barriers to care were observed, PwMS with comorbidities had more healthcare utilization in the prior 12 months, with several comorbidities having a role in increased healthcare utilization. These findings suggest that PwMS with comorbid sleep apnea, anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome may require more attention in the management of their conditions.