Mental Health and Quality of Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Mixed Study in the Araucanía Región, Chile.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that mainly affects young adults. In addition to physical symptoms, MS has a significant impact on mental health and quality of life. In Chile, there is little information on these aspects.
To characterize mental health and quality of life among individuals with MS in Chile using a mixed methodological approach.
A two-phase study was conducted. In the quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive phase, 24 people with MS participated (87.5% women; mean age 36.9 years). The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the Beck II Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) questionnaire were applied. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight open-ended questions to explore emotional experiences, support networks, and coping strategies. Descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis of personal accounts were conducted, integrating the results.
The MSQOL-54 showed similar scores in physical health (57.0±17.4) and mental health (57.5±22.5), with greater impact on energy and health perception. The MFIS averaged 45.9 (SD=17.6), with physical and cognitive fatigue predominating. The BDI-II showed moderate-severe depressive symptoms (mean 21.6±12.1) and the RSES medium-low self-esteem (18.0±5.2). Negative correlations between depression and quality of life and positive correlations between self-esteem and quality of life were identified. The qualitative analysis revealed categories related to self-control, emotional containment, awareness of emotions, social skills, tolerance to frustration, identity, and support networks. The absence of networks correlated with greater emotional vulnerability.
This study shows fatigue, depression, and low self-esteem are key factors that affect the quality of life of people with MS in Chile. Interdisciplinary interventions that integrate physical, psychological, and social aspects are required to improve the well-being of this population.
To characterize mental health and quality of life among individuals with MS in Chile using a mixed methodological approach.
A two-phase study was conducted. In the quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive phase, 24 people with MS participated (87.5% women; mean age 36.9 years). The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the Beck II Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) questionnaire were applied. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight open-ended questions to explore emotional experiences, support networks, and coping strategies. Descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis of personal accounts were conducted, integrating the results.
The MSQOL-54 showed similar scores in physical health (57.0±17.4) and mental health (57.5±22.5), with greater impact on energy and health perception. The MFIS averaged 45.9 (SD=17.6), with physical and cognitive fatigue predominating. The BDI-II showed moderate-severe depressive symptoms (mean 21.6±12.1) and the RSES medium-low self-esteem (18.0±5.2). Negative correlations between depression and quality of life and positive correlations between self-esteem and quality of life were identified. The qualitative analysis revealed categories related to self-control, emotional containment, awareness of emotions, social skills, tolerance to frustration, identity, and support networks. The absence of networks correlated with greater emotional vulnerability.
This study shows fatigue, depression, and low self-esteem are key factors that affect the quality of life of people with MS in Chile. Interdisciplinary interventions that integrate physical, psychological, and social aspects are required to improve the well-being of this population.
Authors
Vanneste-Fierro Vanneste-Fierro, Rojas-Sánchez Rojas-Sánchez, Orellana-Muñoz Orellana-Muñoz, Burgos-Mansilla Burgos-Mansilla
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