A randomized clinical trial of a wellness intervention for women with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of a wellness intervention program for women with multiple sclerosis (MS) on health behaviors and quality of life (QOL).


METHODS
Randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Community setting in the southwestern United States.


METHODS
Convenience sample of 113 women with physician-confirmed MS (mean age, 45.79y).


METHODS
The 2-phase intervention program included lifestyle-change classes for 8 weeks, then telephone follow-up for 3 months. Participants were followed over an 8-month period.


METHODS
A series of self-report instruments to measure barriers, resources, self-efficacy for health behaviors, health promotion behaviors, and health-related QOL were completed at baseline, 2 months (after the classes), 5 months (after telephone follow-up), and at 8 months. Principal outcomes measures were health-promoting behaviors (scores on the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II) and QOL (scores on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36] scales).


RESULTS
Hierarchical linear modeling techniques revealed a statistically significant group by time effect for self-efficacy for health behaviors, health-promoting behaviors, and the mental health and pain scales of the SF-36.


CONCLUSIONS
These data provide initial support for the positive effects of wellness interventions to improve health behaviors and selected dimensions of QOL for women with MS.
Stuifbergen
Alexa K
AK
University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, Austin, TX 78701, USA. astuifbergen@mail.utexas.edu
Becker
Heather
H
Blozis
Shelley
S
Timmerman
Gayle
G
Kullberg
Vicki
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome