Illness and demographic correlates of quality of life among people with multiple sclerosis

Objective: To evaluate the strength of illness-related, employment-related, and familial support variables as predictors of quality of life (QOL) among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Design/Participants: An cx post facto, multiple correlational study of 227 people with MS. Measure: A questionnaire that included (a) demographic and illness-related items with fixed and open response sets and (b) a QOL scale that asked respondents to rate on a scale of I (totally unsatisfying) to 7 (completely satisfying) their levels of satisfaction in major life areas. Results: A regression analysis resulted in a simplified model in which QOL was positively related to educational level and employment status and negatively related to number of symptoms. Conclusions: These findings provide support for 2 of 3 factors (illness-related, employment-related) proposed in a model of adjustment to MS. The value of employment as an intervention to enhance QOL is also supported.