Contributions
Abstract: EP1345
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - Epidemiology
Introduction: People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are increasingly demanding access to reliable information regarding disease symptoms and management. High-quality information is a key factor in patient empowerment and shared decision-making.
Objectives: To assess the information requirements of PwMS and their related factors.
Methods: A multicenter, non-interventional, cross-sectional study in adult subjects with MS (McDonald 2010 criteria) was conducted. The self-rated InfoSeek-MS questionnaire and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory-3 (NEO-FFI-3) were used to collect data on search behavior and information needs, and personality traits, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis was used to explore relations, ANOVA and logistic regression to test for differences. CRT segmentation trees were used to explore different personality profiles.
Results: A total of 302 PwMS (mean age: 42.3 ± 10 years, 64% female, mean time of diagnosis: 9.6 ± 7.0 years, 90% with relapsing-remitting MS) were studied across 19 hospitals in Spain. Mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score: 2.6 ± 1.9. Internet (either via mobile or computer) was the most frequently reported source of information. PwMS more frequently searched information about: lifestyle-related information (67.2%), research and emerging treatments (63.6%), management of symptoms (49.7%), sharing experiences with other PwMS (46.4%) and prognosis (46.4%). Neurologists and nurses were the most trusted source of information. Patients with a greater number of relapses and higher EDSS scores showed higher frequency of information searches (rho=0.233 and rho=0.222, respectively; p< 0.001). Neuroticism and openness to experience were the personality traits related to a more frequent information quest.
Conclusions: Information needs may differ according to disease status and personality characteristics. Personalized strategies combining online and offline sources are necessary to optimize the information offered to PwMS.
Disclosure: This study was funded by the Medical Department of Roche Farma Spain. M.B., E.S., C.A. and J.M. are employees of Roche Farma Spain. The rest of the authors declared no potential conflict of interest.
Abstract: EP1345
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - Epidemiology
Introduction: People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are increasingly demanding access to reliable information regarding disease symptoms and management. High-quality information is a key factor in patient empowerment and shared decision-making.
Objectives: To assess the information requirements of PwMS and their related factors.
Methods: A multicenter, non-interventional, cross-sectional study in adult subjects with MS (McDonald 2010 criteria) was conducted. The self-rated InfoSeek-MS questionnaire and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory-3 (NEO-FFI-3) were used to collect data on search behavior and information needs, and personality traits, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis was used to explore relations, ANOVA and logistic regression to test for differences. CRT segmentation trees were used to explore different personality profiles.
Results: A total of 302 PwMS (mean age: 42.3 ± 10 years, 64% female, mean time of diagnosis: 9.6 ± 7.0 years, 90% with relapsing-remitting MS) were studied across 19 hospitals in Spain. Mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score: 2.6 ± 1.9. Internet (either via mobile or computer) was the most frequently reported source of information. PwMS more frequently searched information about: lifestyle-related information (67.2%), research and emerging treatments (63.6%), management of symptoms (49.7%), sharing experiences with other PwMS (46.4%) and prognosis (46.4%). Neurologists and nurses were the most trusted source of information. Patients with a greater number of relapses and higher EDSS scores showed higher frequency of information searches (rho=0.233 and rho=0.222, respectively; p< 0.001). Neuroticism and openness to experience were the personality traits related to a more frequent information quest.
Conclusions: Information needs may differ according to disease status and personality characteristics. Personalized strategies combining online and offline sources are necessary to optimize the information offered to PwMS.
Disclosure: This study was funded by the Medical Department of Roche Farma Spain. M.B., E.S., C.A. and J.M. are employees of Roche Farma Spain. The rest of the authors declared no potential conflict of interest.