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Sex differences in predictors of illness intrusiveness in persons with multiple sclerosis

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Abstract

Purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex, chronic disease that can have debilitating effects on daily activities and well-being, compromising health-related quality of life. One underlying determinant of quality of life (QOL) is perceived illness intrusiveness, which examines the disruptiveness of the condition and/or its related treatment on engagement in interest and activities, in turn affecting psychological functioning. There is evidence that persons with MS (PwMS) have higher level of illness intrusiveness compared to those with other chronic conditions; however, limited research exists on differences by sex. This study aimed to explore these possible differences between men and women, hypothesizing that men with MS will have overall higher illness intrusiveness (lower QOL) when compared to women with MS.

Methods

A total of 922 PwMS were primarily recruited through the North American Research Committee on MS Registry. The participants completed a one-time anonymous online survey. Illness intrusiveness was measured using the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS) total score and three subscales. Independent t-tests determined differences in demographics, disease characteristics, and IIRS outcomes. Hierarchical regressions were then used to further assess whether sex was a significant predictor of illness intrusiveness.

Results

Men exhibited greater overall, intimacy, and relationship and personal development-related perceived illness intrusiveness. However, sex was only a significant predictor of the Intimacy IIRS subscale after accounting for age, disability, and depression.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the intrusiveness of MS on intimacy and sexual functioning, particularly among men. Potential clinical implications and future directions are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The PDDS is provided for use by the NARCOMS Registry: http://www.narcoms.org/pdds. NARCOMS is supported in part by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and the Foundation of the CMSC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health of New England, 490 Blue Hills Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06112, USA

    Lindsay O. Neto & Elizabeth S. Gromisch

  2. Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1700 N Wheeling, St. Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Jessica Sloan

  3. Dignity Health, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA

    Tuula Tyry

  4. Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA

    Frederick W. Foley

  5. Holy Name Medical Center Multiple Sclerosis Center, Teaneck, NJ, USA

    Frederick W. Foley

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  1. Lindsay O. Neto
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  5. Frederick W. Foley
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Correspondence to Lindsay O. Neto.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institution and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Neto, L.O., Gromisch, E.S., Sloan, J. et al. Sex differences in predictors of illness intrusiveness in persons with multiple sclerosis. Qual Life Res 28, 389–397 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-018-2023-0

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