Fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) may be attributed to a variety of biological and psychological factors. Scales addressing the multidimensionality of fatigue are used in MS evaluation, although adequacy of data on their reliability and validity is questionable. The aim of the present study was to provide evidence for the validity and reliability of the Greek version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The MFIS was translated into Greek and administered to 99 MS patients and 75 controls. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out and reliability measures were calculated. Discriminant validity was also assessed. The mean MFIS score was 33.8 (SD 17.8). Two factors (physical and cognitive) were extracted through factor analysis; a psychosocial factor was not identified. Reliability measures (intraclass correlation coefficient, Cronbach's α, Pearson's correlation) yielded high values. Patients and nonpatients differed statistically significantly in the MFIS scores; no statistically significant differences in MFIS score according to the type of MS were observed. It can be concluded that the Greek version of MFIS is valid and reliable, although questions about the scale dimensions remain. Further modifications and cultural adaptation of the scale may help create a useful tool for screening and assessment of fatigue in MS patients.
Studies have shown that preterm birth significantly influences mothers' psychological health. This study aimed to identify factors associated with preterm birth and assess postnatal depression and anxiety symptoms in mothers of preterm infants (n = 75) compared to mothers who delivered at term (n = 125) in a Greek sample. Multiple pregnancies, assisted reproduction technology, caesarean section, non-Greek ethnicity and smoking during pregnancy were associated with preterm delivery. Moreover, preterm infants' mothers had higher depression, state anxiety and trait anxiety scores. These findings suggest that addressing preventable causes of preterm delivery is crucial, while mothers of preterm infants should receive postnatal support.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.