Psychological Well-being in Poeple with Multiple Sclorosis in an Iranian Population

Abstract

Background: To date, few results on well-being in individuals  with neurological disease have been published, while several  studies in other groups have indicated that well-being may not be the only absence of psychological distress, but also positive  psychological function. The aim of the present study was to  compare the psychological well-being (PWB) between the people with Multiple sclerosis (MS) and normal individuals and identify correlated demographic factors to PWB in people with MS disorder. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was performed in July 2012 on 55 people with MS who were referred to MS clinic (located at the Kashani Hospital), Isfahan Neurosciences Research Centre and 83 normal individuals with matched mean of age, level of education, and gender. The participants filled up the 18-item Ryff ’s PWB and demographic profi le. The data were analyzed by SPSS software based on the independent t-test, and ANOVA. Results: There is significant different in all PWB dimensions between people with MS and normal groups. There were no signifi cant diff erences in PWB in people with MS in relation to gender and marital status, but  individuals with higher level of education scored higher in total PWB, positive relationship with others and purpose in life.Conclusion: People with MS are at risk of lower level of PWB. Interventional programs for improving PWB are strongly recommended.

Key words: Multiple Sclerosis, psychological well-being, quality of life