Loneliness Among Persons with Longstanding Multiple Sclerosis
Author Information
Author(s): Stuifbergen Alexa, Grimes Darla, Becker Heather, Kim Nani
Primary Institution: The University of Texas Austin
Hypothesis
The study explores the relationship between loneliness, depressive symptoms, health behaviors, and quality of life outcomes for persons with MS.
Conclusion
Loneliness and depressive symptoms are strongly correlated and negatively impact health and quality of life among older adults with MS.
Supporting Evidence
- Reports of loneliness were strongly positively correlated with reports of depressive symptoms (r=.63, p<.001).
- Loneliness was negatively correlated with economic adequacy (r= -.64, p<.001).
- Greater functional limitations were associated with greater loneliness (r=.27, p<.001).
- Loneliness and depressive symptoms had moderate to strong negative correlations with health behaviors and quality of life outcomes.
Takeaway
This study found that feeling lonely can make people with MS feel more sad and affect their health, so helping them connect with others might make them feel better.
Methodology
Data was collected through a longitudinal survey measuring loneliness, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, health behaviors, and quality of life outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of 70.70 years, majority female (90%) and married (61%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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