Importance of Autonomy in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Self-determination and Its Relationship with Clinical Factors
Lara Bardoneschi1, Maria Sol Roman1, Florencia Daniele2, Matias Herrera Fernández2, Maria Eugenia Balbuena3, Javier Hryb2, Feliza Leguizamón4, Maria Laura Saladino5, Fernando Caceres5, Sandra Ines Vanotti5
1University of Buenos Aires - Research Institute, 2INERE - Institute of Restorative Neurosciences, 3Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 43Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Teodoro Álvarez, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 5INERE Martinez - Institute of NeuroRehabilitation, Buenos Aires
Objective:
To explore the predictors of the level of self-determination in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). 
Background:

In a chronic disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS), which predominantly affects young adults, it is essential to identify the aspects associated with psychological well-being that impact on functionality and quality of life. Self-determination, defined by the self-perception of autonomy and personal competence, is a factor that influences well-being, motivation and general satisfaction, so its study is essential. 

Design/Methods:

80 PwMS were included (78% women), Age: 43.81±9.64, Years of education: 14.73±2.98, Years of disease evolution: 11.12±8.41, Clinical phenotype: 67 relapsing remission (84%), 6 secondary-progressive (8%) 5 primary-progressive (6%). The Personal Self-Determination Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were administered. For the measurement of cognitive variables, the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) was administered, which includes the following tests: California Verbal Learning Test-I (CVLT-I), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Statistical analysis: To examine the predictors of the level of self-determination, a stepwise linear regression analysis was performed including the variables fatigue, depression, verbal memory, visual memory, processing speed and years of disease evolution as potential predictors. Significance level was accepted at <0.05.

Results:

Level of self-determination: 3.66±0.78, BDI-II: 16.30±9.88, FSS: 4.65±3.42. BICAMS: CVLT-I: 48.18±11.16, BVMT-R: 21.94±7.24 and SDMT: 46.19±13.39. Fatigue and depression were significant predictors of self-determination (F=27.12, p<0.001). The final model explained 39.81% of the variability in self-determination (adj R2=0.398). Cognitive variables and years of evolution were excluded from the final model due to their lack of statistical significance.

Conclusions:
This study highlights that depression and fatigue are significant predictors of the level of self-perceived personal self-determination in PwMS. These findings underline the importance of addressing these factors in the comprehensive management of MS to promote autonomy and improve the quality of life of PwMS.
10.1212/WNL.0000000000212262
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.