Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108424

Kurt L. Johnson, PhD, CRC, Dagmar Amtmann, PhD, Carrie M. Kuehn, MA, MPH, Karynsa Hinton, MPH, Dawn Ehde, PhD, and George H. Kraft, MD. Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356490, Seattle, WA 98195, 206-543-3677, kjohnson@u.washington.edu

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, affects approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. Considering the variability and unpredictability of MS symptoms, we investigated whether qualitatively different subgroups of people with MS could be identified to explain differences in functioning we have observed in clinical practice. We surveyed 548 individuals with MS in Eastern Washington State, measuring demographic characteristics, disease history, symptoms, health care and health status, depression, coping, and use of immunomodulating therapies. We used a combination of latent class and profile analysis to examine variables that describe physical, cognitive, and psycho-social aspects of functioning in people with MS. The analysis empirically distinguished between four qualitatively meaningful classes in our sample. One of these classes, the youngest and with the shortest duration, was of particular interest. Most in this group were moderately physically disabled, but reported very high levels of pain, fatigue, and depression. The average satisfaction with the overall quality of life, coping with MS, and participation in important activities was the lowest. It is of pubic health importance to clinically identify members of this high distress group. A combination of psychological intervention and referral to community resources will be necessary. Other identified classes could be good candidates for referral to psychosocial/health education classes, groups, or bibliotherapy in the community.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how the variability and unpredictability of MS symptoms can contribute to clinically relevant functional differences in individuals with MS.
• Describe individuals with MS who may be in distress and could benefit from mental health intervention.
• Discuss how latent class and profile analysis can be used to distinguish sub-groups in a research sample.

Keywords: Chronic Diseases, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.