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A profile of support group use and need among middle-aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis
- Authors:
- FINLAYSON Marcia L., CHO Chi C.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 54(5), July 2011, pp.475-493.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Support groups can play an important role in the lives of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), enabling them to learn more about the disease, obtain support from peers, and to enhance their ability to cope with and manage the consequences of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare the profile of individuals with MS by their use of support groups, and to identify factors associated with perceived need for support groups. The analysis used data from 1,275 participants in a large cross-sectional descriptive study of middle-aged and older adults with MS that focused on their unmet needs. The findings showed that over 64.6% of participants had attended a MS support group meeting at least once. Individuals who had never attended a group were more likely to reside in urban or suburban communities, report lower symptom interference, and fewer activity limitations. Women, individuals without a helper, and people with greater symptom interference were more likely to perceive a need for a support group. These findings are likely to be of value for professionals involved in developing and implementing multiple sclerosis support groups.