Engagement in volunteering activities by persons with multiple sclerosis in Switzerland

Informal and formal volunteering engagement is a proxy for social integration and may have beneficial effects for physical and mental well-being in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). As literature on the topic among the pwMS is lacking, this study aimed to determine frequency and type of volunteering performed by pwMS and to identify factors associated with volunteering.

Cross-sectional, self-reported data of 615 pwMS participating in the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Registry were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine frequency and type of volunteering engagement. Univariable and multivariable generalized linear models with binomial distribution and log link function were used to identify factors associated with volunteering. Age, sex, employment status and gait disability were added to the multivariable model as fixed confounders. Sociodemographic, health-, work- and daily activity-related factors were included in the analysis.

About one third (29.4%) of participants reported engagement in volunteering activities, most often through charities (16.02%) and cultural organizations (14.36%). In the multivariable model, participants who had a university degree were more likely to volunteer than those with lower level of education (RR = 1.48 95% CI [1.14; 1.91]). The ability to pursue daily activities (as measured by the EQ-5D subscale) was strongly associated with participation in volunteering among pwMS. Compared with pwMS who had no or only slight limitations in daily activities, those with severe problems were markedly less likely to engage in volunteering (RR = 0.41, 95% CI [0.21; 0.80]) . Finally, pwMS who reported caring for and supporting their family (i.e., being a homemaker) were more likely to engage in volunteering activities than those who did not (RR = 1.52, 95% CI [1.15; 2.01]).

Nearly one in three pwMS engaged in diverse volunteering activities. Having a university degree, being less limited in daily activities and being a homemaker increased the probability of pursuing volunteering activities. Contingent on individual-level motivations, resources or physical abilities, pwMS who experience challenges in performing daily activities or social barriers should be made aware of barrier-free offers of socially inclusive and volunteering activities, often provided by the national MS societies and health leagues.