title: Structural equation modeling of factors contributing to quality of life in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To improve quality of life (QOL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), it is important to decrease disability and prevent relapse. The aim of this study was to examine the causal and mutual relationships contributing to QOL in Japanese patients with MS, develop path diagrams, and explore interventions with the potential to improve patient QOL.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data of 163 Japanese MS patients were obtained using the Functional Assessment of MS (FAMS) and Nottingham Adjustment Scale-Japanese version (NAS-J) tests, as well as four additional factors that affect QOL (employment status, change of income, availability of disease information, and communication with medical staff). Data were then used in structural equation modeling to develop path diagrams for factors contributing to QOL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score had a significant effect on the total FAMS score. Although EDSS negatively affected the FAMS symptom score, NAS-J subscale scores of anxiety/depression and acceptance were positively related to the FAMS symptom score. Changes in employment status after MS onset negatively affected all NAS-J scores. Knowledge of disease information improved the total NAS-J score, which in turn improved many FAMS subscale scores. Communication with doctors and nurses directly and positively affected some FAMS subscale scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Disability and change in employment status decrease patient QOL. However, the present findings suggest that other factors, such as acquiring information on MS and communicating with medical staff, can compensate for the worsening of QOL.
authors: College of Nursing, Sapporo City University, Sapporo, Japan.
authors: Hiromi
authors: H
authors: Kikuchi
authors: Nobuhiro
authors: N
authors: Mifune
authors: Masaaki
authors: M
authors: Niino
authors: Jun-Ichi
authors: J
authors: Kira
authors: Tatsuo
authors: T
authors: Kohriyama
authors: Kohei
authors: K
authors: Ota
authors: Masami
authors: M
authors: Tanaka
authors: Hirofumi
authors: H
authors: Ochi
authors: Shunya
authors: S
authors: Nakane
authors: Seiji
authors: S
authors: Kikuchi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult