Influence of Social Isolation Measures Due to COVID-19 on Quality of Life of People with Multiple Sclerosis

Authors: Alice ED*, Mauricio OB, Carlos Bandeira MM and Talita DS

Special Issue 1: Epidemiological and Clinical Investigations on COVID-19

Abstract

Background: People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are more susceptible to worsening in the course of COVID-19. Strict isolation is necessary to minimize the risk of infection. Objective: To analyze the influence of social isolation measures on quality of life of people with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: 41 people with MS participated (22 Relapsing-Remitting, 14 Primary Progressive, 5 Secondary Progressive), 25 females and 16 males, aged between 18 and 70 years, EDSS from 0 to 8.5. All of them answered a structured questionnaire generated by “Google Forms” containing 10 questions about the perception in communicative and mental domains. Results: According to the domains: Communicative: difficulty in verbal communication (n= 13/32%), change in activity and communicative frequency (n= 31/76%), with reduced face-to-face communication, and increased use of video calls by cell phone. Mental: vulnerability (n= 20/49%), sadness (n= 27/66%), concern/fear (n= 31/75%), and impact on quality of life (n= 33/80%), with the support of family/friends, leisure, and religiosity. Conclusions: The majority of respondents in this cross-sectional study revealed a moderate to severe impact on quality of life in all domains. In the face of uncertainties, MS specialists must adapt to monitoring for complications in the spheres of psychology and speech therapy, as well as adopt rehabilitation options applicable to the moment.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Multiple Sclerosis; Quality of life and Telerehabilitation

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