Assessing the Impact of Depression and Life Satisfaction on Health Perception in MS Patients (PP-16)

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and later neuronal degeneration. It is well known that mental health has a strong impact on health-related quality of life and can also influence the course of MS. While standard interventions for mental disorders are very effective, many MS patients never seek or receive appropriate treatment. Our study aimed to find the most frequent underlying cause of low general health perception in MS patients.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 274 MS patients were enrolled from Imam Reza MS public clinic in Fars province, Iran from May to August of 2024. Inclusion criteria: diagnosed MS patient according to McDonald's criteria and exclusion criteria: any previously diagnosed psychological diseases, lupus, seizure or fibromyalgia. Sociodemographic data and medical history were taken, while life satisfaction, depression, and general health status were evaluated by the SWLS, BDI, and GHQ, respectively. By using t-test, chi- square test and spearman correlation test the 9correlations were calculated.
Results: 6 patient were excluded based on exclusion criteria, GHQ level showed significant correlation with MS type( x^(2  ) (2,227)=10.61,p=0.005), [F(2,224)=6.55,P=.002], SWLS total score (rs=.14,p<.05) and BDI total score (rs= -.20,p<.01) were also significantly correlated with general health perception.
Conclusion: Our study highlights the significant impact of mental health on the general health perception of MS patients. Higher life satisfaction is associated with better health perception, while higher levels of depression correlate with poorer health perception. Addressing mental health issues in MS patients is important for improving their overall quality of life and health outcomes. Future interventions should focus on other possible underlying factors and mental health support to improve the overall health perception of MS patients.