title: Satisfaction with service needs among people living with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and can cause difficulties in a number of areas of a person's life, including their ability to function in the community. Employment, finances, and transport are important elements to ensure continued functioning in the community and ongoing rehabilitation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study examined satisfaction with the extent to which the above needs were addressed by service providers.
  
  
  METHODS
  It examined the role of gender, age, and symptom severity. A total of 2721 people with MS aged 19 and 92 years (M = 52.10, SD = 11.80) completed the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Areas of need included information about eligibility for services from government and local councils, for financial assistance and understanding welfare and benefits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicated that younger and mildly affected participants were least satisfied. Other areas of unmet need included transportation for the people more severely affected by MS and financial assistance to help people purchase mobility aids.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Marita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McCabe
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Katherine J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Ebacioni
authors.affiliation: Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia.
authors.forename: Rex
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Simmons
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Association - ACT/NSW/VIC, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.affiliation: MS Research, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Melton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Multiple Sclerosis; community; employment; equipment; transport