Quality of Life in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis in Turkey: Relationship to Depression and Fatigue

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to assess the self-reported quality of life (QOL) in a group of Turkish patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to analyze whether the QOL was associated with fatigue and depression. The study used a descriptive design. A number of evaluation scales were administered to a study sample comprising 47 outpatients. The Short Form 36 for QOL, the Beck Depression Inventory for Depression, and the Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue were used. The mean score for general QOL was 34.8 and indicated low QOL in MS patients. The results of our study have also shown that fatigue and depression strongly influence QOL in Turkish MS patients. Our findings may have important implications for the overall care of MS patients. The QOL of MS patients was affected negatively. Both fatigue and depression are common and treatable manifestations of MS, and these symptoms should be screened carefully in all MS patients. Care of MS patients requires the collaboration of all team members. Nurses have a key role as part of this team through the continuity of the care they provide and interaction with patients. Awareness of depression and fatigue can contribute to the nurses' ability to provide psychological support and enhance the QOL in MS patients.