A Prospective Multicenter Study for Assessing MusiQoL Validity among Arabic-Speaking MS Patients Treated with...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Quality of Life Research
• Pharmacotherapy

Background:

• Limited research exists on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Arabic-speaking multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
• Validated HRQoL instruments like the Multiple Sclerosis International QoL (MusiQoL) questionnaire are available in other languages.
• Assessing HRQoL is crucial for understanding patient well-being during MS treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate HRQoL in Arabic-speaking MS patients receiving subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (sc IFN β-1a) over 12 months.
• To assess the utility of the MusiQoL questionnaire in this specific patient population.
• To examine the correlation between HRQoL and clinical parameters, specifically the Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS).

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multinational, multicenter cohort study involving 439 Arabic-speaking MS patients.
• HRQoL was assessed using the MusiQoL questionnaire at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.
• Clinical parameters, including EDSS, were also recorded. Changes in MusiQoL scores were analyzed using the Friedman test.

Main Results:

• The overall MusiQoL total score showed a significant improvement at 6 months, which then stabilized by 12 months (p=0.0015).
• Specific HRQoL domains, including daily living activities, physical well-being, symptoms, and coping, demonstrated improvement.
• A statistically significant inverse relationship was observed between changes in EDSS and changes in overall MusiQoL scores over time.

Conclusions:

• The MusiQoL questionnaire is a valuable tool for assessing HRQoL changes in Arabic-speaking MS patients undergoing sc IFN β-1a treatment.
• HRQoL showed initial improvement followed by stabilization during the 12-month treatment period.
• The findings highlight the importance of monitoring HRQoL alongside clinical status in MS management.