Objectives: Stress is supposed to be linked with a background of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the disease course.
Design: The study aimed to assess the level of stress and coping strategies in MS patients within a year of follow-up and to investigate the relationships between these aspects and factors related-or not-to MS.
Methods: In 65 patients with MS, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Type D Scale (DS14) and Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (COPE) were performed at baseline and after a year. Baseline PSS-10, DS-14 and COPE scores were analyzed with regard to demographics, MS duration, treatment, indices of disability and self-reported stressful events (SEs). Final PSS-10 and COPE results were analyzed with reference to MS activity and SE within a year of follow-up.
Results: Initially, 67% of patients reported a moderate or high level of stress and 31% met Type-D personality criteria. Diverse coping strategies were preferred, most of which were problem-focused. The negative affectivity DS-14 subscore (NEG) was correlated with disability level. Non-health-related SEs were associated with higher PSS-10 and NEG scores. After a year, the mean PSS-10 score decreased, while COPE results did not change significantly. Non-health-related SEs were associated with a higher PSS-10 score and less frequent use of acceptance and humor strategies. Those with an active vs. stable MS course during the follow-up did not differ in terms of PSS-10 and COPE results.
Conclusions: MS patients experienced an increased level of stress. No significant relationships were found between stress or coping and MS course within a year. Non-health-related factors affected measures of stress more than MS-related factors.
Keywords: coping strategies; multiple sclerosis; perceived stress; stress; type-D personality.