Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Lex, H.
Psychological and Social Aspects of Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis with a Focus on Gender and Culture
Doktoratsstudium der Medizinischen Wissenschaft; Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Graz Medical University; 2015. pp. 157
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Freidl Wolfgang
- Holasek Sandra Johanna
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory auto-immune disease of the central nervous system. The demyelination of the nerve fibers leads to many impairments both physical and cognitive. The psychological and social effects on the affected, however, have not received sufficient attention in the scientific literature. The goal of this thesis is to analyze the role of psychological and social factors related to the quality of life (QoL) of those with MS. In this thesis, I investigate whether there are differences in gender and nationality. I take a closer look at coping strategies of affected, at the role of personality variables and the aspect of social support. Furthermore I evaluate whether patients perceived positive life changes since being diagnosed MS. Methods: The gender and intercultural comparison is based on the study being split between Austria and the United States. The sample includes 128 participants, 64 in each country, of whom 50 are men and 78 are women aged between 20 and 57 years. I asked participants in quantitative questionnaires respectively qualitative interviews about psychological and social aspects of their quality of life and their coping strategies for dealing with MS and with stress. In addition to standard statistical tests for the quantitative data I analyzed the qualitative data by identifying categories in response patterns. I controlled possible biases due to the sample selection in the quantitative data analysis and used age, a disability score, MS duration, and educational level as covariates. Results: Austrian participants perceive a higher social-emotional QoL with MS in comparison to American participants. American participants show a higher self-esteem in comparison to Austrians participants. I identified that men have a lower ability to express love in comparison to women. Independent of gender and nationality, participants reported perceived benefit through the disease, especially with regards to compassion, mindfulness, improved family relations, and personal growth. The qualitative interviews reveal gender and cultural differences in coping strategies and in dealing with the illness and stress. I also found gender and cultural differences in experiences, expectations, and challenges related to MS, especially in the context of health literacy and daily living with MS. These results can be used to develop targeted psychological and social support and interventions and hence help improving the social-emotional QoL for persons with MS.