Improved self-efficacy in persons with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis after an intensive social cognitive wellness program with participation of support partners: a 6-months observational study

Background: For persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) it is important to preserve their autonomy, in spite of increasing disability. A major factor mediating autonomy is self-efficacy. According to the social cognitive theory stressors are crucial determinants of self-efficacy, as well as the interaction with partners. Methods: In an explorative observational study we assessed in 47 persons with MS (PwMS) the effect of an intense, multidisciplinary, 3-day, social cognitive wellness program with the participation of support partners, after 1, 3 and 6 months. Primary outcomes: self-efficacy-control and -function (Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale [MSSES]), limitations to and problems with participation and autonomy (Impact on Participation and Autonomy [ IPA] scale). Secondary outcomes: health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (MS Quality of Life-54 Items [MSQoL-54] questionnaire), anxiety, depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [ HADS]), and fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale-5 Items [MFIS-5]). Disability was measured with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Percentage changes from baseline were tested with T-tests, level of significance 0.05. Results: In the whole group the MSQoL-54 Mental score was increased at 1, 3 and 6 months (+ 16.0%, + 13.2%, + 12.2%), and the MSQoL-54 Physical (+ 10.2%) at 6 months, with no changes in other outcomes. The relapsing remitting (RR) subgroup (n = 20) had at 6 months an increase in the MSSES-Control score (+ 24.8%) and in the MSQoL54 Mental and Physical scores (+ 22.3%, + 17.6%). Progressive patients (n = 22) only showed an increase in the MSQoL-54 Mental score (+ 11.5%) at 1 month. In the low-disability (EDSS < 4.0) subgroup the MSSES-Control score was increased (+ 23.8%) at 6 months, and the IPA-Limitations and Problems scores decreased at 3 months (-6.1%, -8.8%); the MSQoL-54 Mental score had increased at 1, 3 and 6 months (+ 19.3%, + 21.5%, + 19.3%). In the high-disability (EDSS > =4.0) subgroup no significant changes occurred. Conclusions: Results from this observational study suggest that 6 months after an intense, 3-day, multidisciplinary, social cognitive wellness program with support partners, PwMS with a RR course or low disability may experience an improved self-efficacy-control and HRQoL.