A Comparative Study of Self-Efficacy in Men and Women with Multiple Sclerosis

What Are the Support Needs of Men with Multiple Sclerosis, and Are They Being Met?

“…Living with chronic, debilitating health conditions can result in a variety of negative psychological consequences, including depression 3,4 and low self-efficacy, 12 in addition to having a negative impact on existing relationships. 13 One study 12 found distinct gender differences in self-efficacy of people with MS; women had a significantly greater belief in their ability to function with MS than men, although no significant differences were found in belief in ability to control MS. The findings also indicated that men with progressive forms held weaker beliefs in their ability to control their MS and function with it than those with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).…”

“…Individuals with MS could therefore benefit from interventions that enhance self-efficacy-for example, providing skills for selfmanagement of MS, offering education and support for the patient and family, introducing the patient to others with MS who could act as mentors, encouraging physical reconditioning, or referring to a support group that may meet individual needs. 12 Furthermore, a large-scale study using the Web Portal of the UK MS Register 4 found that anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in people with MS, indicating that their mental health needs could be bet-noted. Finlayson and Cho 28 reported that women were 1.56 times more likely to attend a support group than men.…”

Meeting the Needs of People with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Their Families, and the Health-Care Community

“…A similar theme-that people with PPMS have a significantly weaker belief in their ability to control their disease and function with it than do those with relapsing forms of the disease-has been confirmed in the literature. 33 According to the group participants, many nonmedical issues contribute to the emotional stresses of PPMS, including financial pressure and stress, long-term planning needs, and a loss of the ability to work; neglect and other quality of life issues; a loss of independence and being dependent on family members for assistance; family and relationship stress, marital problems, and intimacy issues; caregiver burden and burnout; and a general fear of the future.…”

Gender Differences in Self-Reported Symptom Awareness and Perceived Ability to Manage Therapy with Disease-Modifying Medication Among Commercially Insured Multiple Sclerosis Patients

“…18,32 In a study by Fraser and Polito (2007) of 556 patients with MS, average scores on the functional subscale of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale were significantly higher for females (n = 348 with RRMS and 84 with progressive MS) than for males (n = 73 with RRMS and 51 with progressive MS). 33 Miller and Dishon (2006) evaluated the impact of gender and disability on quality of life in MS patients. The authors found that the relationship between physical disability and diminished quality of life was weaker among females than males, leading them to conclude that females are better able than males to manage the emotions related to MS disabilities.…”

“…• Female MS patients are more optimistic and confident about their ability to function with MS than are males. In a study population (n = 556) of 124 males (73 with relapsing-remitting MS [RRMS] and 51 with progressive MS) and 432 females (348 with RRMS and 84 with progressive MS), Fraser and Polito (2007) found that females had significantly higher scores than males (P = 0.001) on a 9-item function subscale of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale (MSSE), a validated and reliable tool. Although the MSEE's creators suggested its use in research investigating adherence to treatment and health, the MSSE does not capture information about DMMs or patient perception of ability to manage therapy with DMMs.…”