Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Self-Management: Strategies and Influencing Factors 5 Years After a Multimodal...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• The Fatigue: Take Control (FTC) program is a multimodal self-management intervention for multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Previous trials demonstrated FTC's efficacy in improving MS-related fatigue.
• This study investigates long-term (5-year) fatigue management strategies in MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify fatigue management strategies utilized by MS patients 5 years post-enrollment in the FTC program.
• To determine facilitators and barriers to employing these fatigue management strategies.
• To explore the relationship between specific strategies and long-term fatigue outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey design utilizing data from original FTC clinical trial participants.
• Administered the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and a 17-item questionnaire on fatigue management strategies.
• Analyzed quantitative and qualitative data using descriptive statistics and content analysis, framed by the COM-B model.

Main Results:

• The most frequently reported strategies were planning daily activities and prioritizing tasks.
• Facilitators included access to assistive devices, support systems (paid help, companions), and positive attitude.
• Barriers comprised high costs, co-existing health conditions, and temperature sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Future research should prioritize promoting accessible, low-cost fatigue management strategies for MS.
• Internal factors, such as motivation, significantly influence the adoption of self-management strategies.
• Further clinical trials with larger samples are recommended to validate the COM-B model in MS fatigue management.