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Clinical Issues

Predictors of life satisfaction among caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis

, , &
Pages 462-478
Accepted 17 Jun 2008
Published online: 15 Jun 2009

Research on life satisfaction among caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is sparse. This study examined the extent to which MS-specific disease and psychosocial characteristics predict caregiver life satisfaction. Participants were 64 caregivers of patients with MS and the patients for whom they care. Multiple regression analysis indicated that caregiver perception of illness uncertainty and patients’ unawareness of deficits have unique value in predicting caregiver life satisfaction, even after accounting for general financial status. Gender and level of social support were also important contributing factors to caregiver life satisfaction. The findings suggest that duration and severity of the patients’ illness take a greater toll on life satisfaction of caregivers with low versus high social support, particularly among women caregivers.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and a Wayne State University Thesis Research Grant. The authors thank Drs. Robert Lisak and Omar Khan and their staff at the MS Clinic of University Health Center, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI for their assistance in the data collection process. Kelly Ryan is now at the University of Michigan.

 

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