Communicative participation restrictions in multiple sclerosis: associated variables and correlation with social...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Communication Sciences

Background:

• Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience communication challenges.
• These challenges can significantly restrict participation in vital life roles, impacting relationships, work, and daily management.
• Early identification of risk factors is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic and symptom-related predictors of participation restrictions in adults with MS.
• To assist clinicians in predicting which individuals are most at risk for communication limitations.
• To inform targeted interventions aimed at mitigating these restrictions.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 216 community-dwelling adults with MS.
• Data collected included demographics, symptom severity, and the Communicative Participation Item Bank.
• Backward stepwise multiple linear regression and Spearman correlations were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Cognitive/communication skills, speech severity, speech usage, physical activity, and education emerged as significant predictors of communicative participation.
• A fair to moderate relationship was found between communicative participation and social role measures.
• Communicative participation is a complex outcome influenced by multiple self-reported variables.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians should consider cognitive/communication skills, speech abilities, physical activity levels, and education when assessing participation risks in MS patients.
• Reduced cognitive and speech skills, lower speech usage, physical limitations, and higher education levels are associated with decreased communicative participation.
• Understanding these predictors can guide interventions to improve participation for individuals with MS.