Independent variables and methods used | Categorisation criteria | Characteristics of the sample, n (%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Sex | Female | 135 (68) | |
Male | 64 (32) | ||
Agea | <47Â years | 102 (51) | |
≥47 years | 97 (49) | ||
Coping capacity   Sense of Coherence scale b | Weak, < 55 | 23 (12) | |
Moderate/Strong, ≥ 55 | 176 (88) | ||
Work statusc   Interview | Working, full- or part-time | 115 (58) | |
Not working | 68 (34) | ||
Retired | 16 (8) | ||
Disease severity   Expanded Disability Status Scale  (EDSS)d | EDSS mild | 0.0–3.5 | 125 (63) |
EDSS moderate | 4.0–5.5 | 35 (17.5) | |
EDSS severe | 6.0–9.5 | 39 (19.5) | |
Disease course | Relapsing remitting course | 122 (61) | |
Primary or secondary progressive course | 77 (39) | ||
Fatigue   Fatigue Severity Scale | Non-fatigue | ≤4.0 | 67 (34) |
Borderline fatigue | 4.0 < FSS < 5.0 | 32 (16) | |
Fatigue | ≥5.0 | 100 (50) | |
Cognitive function   Symbol Digit Modalities Test e | No impairment | 104 (52) | |
Impairment | 95 (48) | ||
Frequency of social/lifestyle activities   Frenchay Activities Index f | Normal | 111 (56) | |
Reduced | 88 (44) | ||
Perceived physical impact of MS   Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale g | Small impact | 100 (50) | |
Large impact | 99 (50) | ||
Perceived psychological impact of MS   Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale g | Small impact | 92 (46) | |
Large impact | 107 (54) |