A Profile of Support Group Use and Need Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

This study compared middle-aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS, N = 1,275) according to their use of support groups and identified factors associated with perceived need. Over 64.6% (n = 824) of participants had attended a MS support group meeting at least once. Individuals who had never attended a group were more likely to reside in urban or suburban communities, report lower symptom interference, and fewer activity limitations. Women, individuals without a helper, and people with greater symptom interference were more likely to perceive a need for a support group. Findings raise questions for professionals involved in developing and implementing multiple sclerosis support groups.

Keywords:

• self-help group
• social support
• coping
• chronic disease
• self-management

Acknowledgments

Special thanks are extended to members of the research team who were involved in collecting the data used in the preparation of this article: Toni Van Dendend (Project Coordinator), Eynat Shevil, Jennifer Garcia, Danielle Lemon, Terri Boss, and Aimee Rabidoux (Research Assistants).

This study is supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through Health Care Delivery and Policy Research Contract #HC049, awarded to Dr. Finlayson. The information presented in this article does not necessarily reflect the position, ideas or opinions of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.