title: A comparative study of self-efficacy in men and women with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine if there was a difference in the level of self-efficacy between men and women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). A quantitative, descriptive, comparative design was used. The convenience sample included 556 individuals with MS, of which 124 were men (73 RRMS and 51 progressive MS) and 432 women (348 RRMS and 84 progressive MS). Participants completed the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale (MSSE). This study found gender differences in self-efficacy among those living with MS. The women had a significantly greater belief in their ability to function with MS. The women also had a greater belief in their ability to control their MS than the men, although the difference was not significant. This study also found significant differences in self-efficacy between those with RRMS and those with progressive forms of MS. When men were compared by type of MS, those with RRMS had significantly greater belief in their ability to control their disease and function with it than those with progressive forms of MS. For women, those with RRMS had significantly greater belief in their ability to control their MS and function with it than women with progressive forms of MS. Individuals with MS could benefit from strategies that enhance self-efficacy. Such strategies include providing skills for self-management of MS, providing education and support of the patient and family, introducing the patient to a role model with MS, encouraging physical reconditioning, and referring to a support group that will meet individualized needs.
authors.affiliation: Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, N, USA. cirafraser@si.rr.com
authors.forename: Cira
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Polito
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020528:Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D009515:New Jersey; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*