Self-efficacy and health status improve after a wellness program in persons with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if an intensive wellness program for persons with MS results in improved self-efficacy, quality of life (QOL), or physical activity outcomes. Methods: 129 subjects participated in one of seven 4-day interdisciplinary educational wellness programs throughout the United States. This intervention was based on the philosophy that health management is important to disease management. The program consisted of psychological and physiological evaluations, lectures and workshops. Before the intervention and after at 1, 3 and 6 months, self-efficacy (MS Self-Efficacy Scale, MSSE, control), health related QOL (SF-36) and physical activity (Physical Activity Scale for Persons with Physical Disabilities, PASAID) was assessed. Results: Improvements were noted at 1, 3 and 6 months post-intervention. Those present at 6 months included, MSSE, role physical, vitality and mental health scales of the SF-36. PASAID did not change. Improvements were independent of disability (EDSS). Conclusion: A 4-day multidisciplinary educational wellness program can result in improvement in self-efficacy and health-related QOL in persons with MS and can be stable up to at least 6 months. Improvements do not depend on degree of disability.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Multiple sclerosis is a neurologic disease that can have a significant negative impact on self-efficacy and quality of life.

• Some wellness based programs have been shown to be effective in improving self-efficacy and quality of life (QOL) in persons with MS.

• Distance or time could be barriers to access effective wellness programs.

• An intensive “traveling” 4-day interdisciplinary educational wellness program can result in improvements in self-efficacy and health-related quality of life in persons with MS.

• Improvements were not dependent on a person’s level of disability (i.e. EDSS).

Keywords::

• Exercise
• health access
• multiples sclerosis
• quality of life
• self-efficacy

Acknowledgements

The authors dedicate this study to Jimmie Heuga for his caring, inspiration and dedication. They thank the many healthcare professionals who dedicate their time to provide these educational programs. Finally, they thank the participants for their spirit and “can do” attitude.

Declaration of Interest: This study was funded by Can Do Multiple Sclerosis (formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis). At the time of the study, all authors were either full time employees or consultants (AN and DM) with Can Do Multiple Sclerosis.