Treatment satisfaction and quality of life in patients treated with fingolimod

Figures & data

Table 1 Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the survey population (N=212)

Gender (women; n (%))	157 (73.4%)
Age (years; mean ± SD)	41.6±10.0
Marital status
Single	56 (26.2%)
Married/cohabiting	127 (59.3%)
Divorced/Widowed	30 (14.0%)
No answer	1 (0.5%)
Education level
No high school diploma	22 (10.3%)
High school	94 (43.9%)
University/technical college	96 (44.9%)
No answer	2 (0.9%)
Professional activitya
In active employment	117 (54.7%)
Invalidity status	47 (22.0%)
Homemaker	19 (8.9%)
Seeking work	11 (5.1%)
Other (including retired and student)	24 (11.2%)
No answer	2 (0.9%)
Time since diagnosis (years; mean ± SD)	9.0±6.2
MS relapses in the previous 12 months (mean ± SD)	1.5±0.9
EDSS score at inclusion (mean ± SD)	2.4±1.7
Treatment history	N=204
Duration of fingolimod treatment (in months)	22.4±12.5
Number of previous first-line treatments
1	135 (63.1%)
2	63 (29.4%)
≥3	11 (5.1%)
No answer	5 (2.3%)
Previous first-line treatmenta
Interferon-β	138 (64.5%)
Glatiramer acetate	72 (33.6%)
Dimethylfumarate	9 (4.2%)
No answer	1 (0.5%)

Note:

a Multiple responses were possible.

Abbreviations: EDSS, Expanded Disability Status Scale; MS, multiple sclerosis; SD, standard deviation.

Figure 1 Timing and content of therapeutic education programs.

Note: Data were missing for five patients.

Table 2 Patient information (N=212)

Opportunity to discuss MS with hospital staff	150 (70.1%)
Opportunity to discuss treatment with hospital staff	164 (76.6%)
Participation in a therapeutic education program about MS	51 (23.8%)
Participation in a therapeutic education program about fingolimod	44 (20.6%)
Performed internet searches about fingolimod	124 (58.0%)
Before starting treatment	102 (47.7%)
After starting treatment	56 (26.2%)
About efficacy	101 (47.2%)
About potential side effects	95 (44.4%)
About other patients’ experience	50 (23.4%)

Abbreviation: MS, multiple sclerosis.

Figure 2 Variables associated with a TSQM general satisfaction score ≥75 vs <75.

Note: Data are represented as odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals.
Abbreviations: MS, multiple sclerosis; TSQM, Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication.

Figure 3 Distribution of response modalities for the EQ-5D.

Notes: Open segments, no problems; gray segments, some problems; black segments, considerable problems. Data on activities of daily living were missing for one patient.
Abbreviations: EQ-5D, 5-dimension EuroQoL questionnaire; QoL, quality of life.

Figure 4 Distribution of EQ-VAS scores as a function of EDSS disability score.

Notes: Light segments, EDSS score ≤3 (N=158); dark segments, EDSS score >3 (N=56). EQ-VAS scores are divided into quartiles: 1st quartile: 0–60; 2nd quartile: 61–74; 3rd quartile: 75–83; 4th quartile: 84–100.
Abbreviations: EDSS, Expanded Disability Status Scale; EQ-VAS, EuroQol visual analog scale; QoL, quality of life.

Figure 5 Distribution of TSQM response modalities for the EQ-5D.

Notes: Data are presented as the proportion of patients reporting some or considerable problems on each dimension of the EQ-5D. Light columns, TSQM general satisfaction score ≥75 (N=113); dark columns, TSQM general satisfaction score <75 (N=99).
Abbreviations: EQ-5D, 5-dimension EuroQoL questionnaire; TSMQ, Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication; QoL, quality of life.

Table 3 Evolution of QoL since starting fingolimod (N=212)

	Much or somewhat improved			Much or somewhat worsened
	All	TSQM ≥75	TSQM <75	All	TSQM ≥75	TSQM <75
QoL in general	153 (72.2%)	92 (81.4%)	61 (61.6%)	13 (6.1%)	3 (2.7%)	10 (10.1%)
Capacity to plan for the future	131 (61.8%)	82 (72.6%)	49 (49.5%)	14 (6.6%)	2 (1.8%)	12 (12.1%)
Confidence in the future	105 (49.5%)	67 (59.3%)	38 (38.4%)	28 (13.2%)	9 (8%)	19 (19.2%)

Abbreviations: TSQM, Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication; QoL, quality of life.