Correlations between quality of life and adaptation factors among people with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE We examined the correlations between quality of life and three adaptation factors--adjusted self-concept, social support, and accessibility-in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD A convenience sample of 68 participants completed the Leeds Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life scale (LMSQoL) and a questionnaire assessing the three adaptation factors. RESULTS We found significant moderate correlations between LMSQoL scores and adjusted self-concept (r = .56, p < .0001) and LMSQoL scores and social support (r = .52, p < .0001); a significant low correlation was found between LMSQoL and accessibility (r = .36, p = .003). DISCUSSION Adjusted self-concept, social support, and accessibility were found to be critical in participants' psychosocial adaptation to the course of MS. Occupational therapy intervention should address these adaptation factors to help clients cope with MS and promote quality of life.