Frontiers in Psychology (Mar 2024)

Fostering quality of life in young adults living with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study of a co-created integrated intervention

  • Silvia Poli,
  • Valeria Donisi,
  • Maria Angela Mazzi,
  • Francesca Gobbin,
  • Giorgia Giusto,
  • Riccardo Orlandi,
  • Federico Schena,
  • Lidia Del Piccolo,
  • Roshan das Nair,
  • Roshan das Nair,
  • Alberto Gajofatto,
  • Michela Rimondini

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1342166
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) is generally diagnosed at an early age, making the acceptance of this chronic disease challenging. Research dedicated to young adults with MS (YawMS) is still limited. A biopsychosocial co-created intervention for YawMS integrating social, physical and psychological activities was developed (ESPRIMO intervention) in order to improve the quality of life (QoL) and well-being. This pre-post intervention assessment study examines the feasibility of the ESPRIMO intervention and its signal of efficacy.MethodsInclusion criteria were: age 18–45 years, MS diagnosis, Expanded Disability Status Scale score < 3.5. After giving informed consent, YawMS completed a battery of questionnaires, which was repeated after the intervention. The battery included a bespoke feasibility scale, the COOP/WONCA charts, and the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12).ResultsFifty-three YAwMS were enrolled and 43 (81.1%) completed the intervention. The majority of the sample positively rated the pleasantness, usefulness and feasibility of the intervention. A significant change in the COOP/WONCA “general QoL” chart (t = 3.65; p < 0.01) and SF-12 mental wellbeing component (t = −3.17; p < 0.01) was found.DiscussionESPRIMO is an innovative intervention that is feasible; preliminary results show an improvement in QoL and mental wellbeing. Further studies are needed to test its efficacy and evaluate future implementation in health services.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04431323.

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