Housing satisfaction: An additive predictor of QOL for adults with MS?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Research has clearly demonstrated the relationship between quality of life (QOL) for adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) and selected demographic and illness-related variables. However, this investigation posed a further question: would housing satisfaction variables (e.g., need for accommodations, confidence in ability to live independently and to afford to do so, and level of daily functioning) account for additional variance in the prediction of QOL? OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the extent to which housing satisfaction variables add to the prediction of QOL among a large sample of Americans with MS. METHOD: Quantitative analysis for the study included descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations along with backward elimination multiple regression analysis, to determine the extent to which the independent variables, including educational level, employment status, MS status variables, and housing variables, contributed to the overall prediction model for the quality of life of adults with MS. RESULTS: Regression results indicated that housing satisfaction variables, in addition to perceived severity of MS, level of cognitive functioning, number of symptoms, and employment status, were retained in a predictive model of QOL. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the need to include housing consultation as an important component of the array of medical, vocational, educational, and cognitive rehabilitation strategies provided to adults with MS.

Evaluation of a palliative and hospice care telephone hotline for patients severely affected by multiple sclerosis and their caregivers

“…young patients having to move to nursing care homes for the elderly or patients having to live with ex-partners due to shortage of homes for the disabled. These results validate data analyzed by Roessler et al [33] underscoring the need for housing modification information and resources to enable people with MS to obtain the specialized housing needed to maintain maximally independent lifestyles.…”

“…These results validate data analyzed by Roessler et al . underscoring the need for housing modification information and resources to enable people with MS to obtain the specialized housing needed to maintain maximally independent lifestyles. Coordination of services as provided by case management could be helpful to ensure that patients receive the comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that is required to improve outcomes.…”

Surveying Vocational Rehabilitation Applicants Online: A Feasibility Study

“…Despite the potential benefits of web-based surveys, they are used relatively infrequently in disability policy research (for exceptions see Gross & Francis, 2015; Hwang, 2005; Moon & Baker, 2012; Roessler, Gitchel, & Bishop, 2013). The slower pace of adoption of web surveys of people with disabilities parallels (and may be caused by) the relatively slower adoption of the Internet by people with disabilities.…”

A tool for universal accessibility assessment in the interior of dwellings

“…Access to adequate housing is a basic human right and a health factor (2,3). Housing should be inclusive and accessible, thus meeting all its users' needs at every stage of their lives.…”