Strong Self-Identity, Accessibility Key for Self-Management of MS

Socio-ecological factors influencing lifestyle management in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are complex, but they tend to cascade toward two common factors: self-identity and accessibility. Researchers published the findings from a scoping review online ahead of print in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.

“All other lifestyle factors tied back to these factors either directly, or indirectly through a complex pathway,” wrote corresponding author Yasmine Probst, PhD, and coauthor Sarah Manche, both of the University of Wollongong in Australia.

The scoping review included 51 publications investigating factors related to self-management in patients with MS. The review’s socioecological focus considered individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy influences.

The review revealed a multitude of elements affecting MS self-management. They ranged from personal factors (such as MS symptoms and psychological well-being), to community-level factors (social networks and work) and policy-level factors (intervention programs and funding). Even the broader environment played a role, such as the geographic location of an individual and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A map of health behavior (lifestyle) factors extending across all levels of the socioecological model revealed a complex web of pathways to behavioral patterns impacting MS self-management,” the authors reported.

Self-identity and accessibility were at the root of all factors, however. The authors reported that a strong sense of self provides the confidence to accept and manage MS, and that confidence motivates individuals to move toward behavior changes to help manage their condition, such as joining an exercise class or support group. Accessibility, meanwhile, provides access to MS-related services and promotes self-efficacy.

“Being unable to reach a service before the self-management aspect of MS had begun can be demotivating, impacting self-efficacy as treatment options may seem impossible to accomplish,” the authors advised.

Reference

Manche S, Probst Y. Exploring the socio-ecological factors impacting lifestyle management of multiple sclerosis: a scoping review. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. Published online August 21, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2023.104958