Prediction of Resiliency on the Basis of Social Support in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the nervous system and predominantly occurs in women between 20 to 40 years old. Various geographical, familial, genetic, environmental factors, and factors involved in the immune system and infections in childhood are involved in this disease. Motor, sensory, balance, vision, and sphincter systems are affected by MS; therefore, it is a major negative event in the life that will have adverse effects on health and social life. Social support is one of the factors involved in the resiliency of these patients. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to predict resiliency on the basis of social support in patients with MS. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive study, 108 patients with MS were selected in Farshchian Hospital of Hamadan. Data were collected by Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and Social Support Appraisals (SS-A) questionnaire. Data analyses were conducted by SPSS in two descriptive and regression statistical levels. Results: There was a significant association between social support and resiliency. Moreover, there was a strong and positive association between social support and resiliency (r = 0.449, P < 0.01); therefore, the association was significant and the higher the total amount of social support of patients with MS is the higher the level their resiliency would be. Conclusions: Components of social support, totally account for 19% of resiliency variance value of patient; the components of social support, family, friends, and other people's support at only had lower contribution in predicting resiliency. Support of this group of people to increase their resiliency seems necessary.