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Illness Intrusiveness on Intimacy in Persons with MS
Qual Life Res; 2018 ePub 2018 Oct 17; Neto, et al
Recent findings highlight the intrusiveness of multiple sclerosis (MS) on intimacy and sexual functioning, particularly among men. A total of 922 persons with MS (PwMS) were primarily recruited through the North American Research Committee on MS Registry. The participants completed a 1-time anonymous online survey. Illness intrusiveness was measured using the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS) total score and 3 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. Researchers found:
- 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.
Neto LO, Gromlisch ES, Sloan J, Tyry T, Foley FW. Sex differences in predictors of illness intrusiveness in persons with multiple sclerosis. [Published online ahead of print October 17, 2018]. Qual Life Res. doi:10.1007/s11136-018-2023-0.