Assessment of the impact of daily living activities and disability on the physical and mental health of Moroccan patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological illness that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing disability and impairing daily tasks. We aimed to examine the links between disability, activities of daily living (ADL), and their combined impact on the physical and mental health of people diagnosed with MS. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 90 cases with MS. Various scales were used to collect data, including a self-questionnaire (sociodemographic and clinical), MS quality of life (QoL) 54, Patient Determined Disease Steps, and ADL scale. Results: The average age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 28 years. Approximately 22.2% ( n = 20) reported a moderate-to-severe level of disability. A highly significant negative correlation was found between a higher disability level and ADL, as well as impaired QoL for both physical ( P < 0.001) and mental ( P < 0.009) health. Furthermore, a highly significant difference in mean scores was observed for the QoL composite based on disability levels (physical health: P < 0.023; mental health: P < 0.035), as well as for ADL ( P = 0.000) among the study participants. Conclusion: This study reveals that a high level of disability is strongly correlated with limitations in ADL and decreased QOL, both physical and mental health. A significant difference was observed in QOL and ADL scores as a function of disability level. This underlines the importance of appropriate management to improve patient well-being.