Objective:

To explore how gastrointestinal (GI) symptom severity relates to disease severity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to see how demographic and treatment factors may influence this link.

Background:

Multiple sclerosis is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes neurological, physical and cognitive problems. Many people with MS experience GI symptoms such as constipation or indigestion but the connection between these symptoms and disease severity has not been well studied.

Design/Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 300 MS patients aged 18 to 65 years recruited between January and March 2025. Participants completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and were assessed for disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Data were analysed using Pearson correlation, linear regression, one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests.

Results:

There was a weak but significant positive link between GI symptom severity and MS disease severity (r = 0.132, p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that GI symptoms were a significant predictor of greater disability (β = 0.148, p < 0.01). No significant differences were found between age groups (F (2,297) = 0.326, p > 0.05) but patients in government centres had higher GI symptom scores and disability levels (F (3,296) = 14.92, p < 0.01). Most participants were aged 22 to 24 years (66%) and 73% were male.

Conclusions:

I symptoms are linked to greater disability in MS though the association is weak. Routine screening for GI symptoms could help identify patients who need extra support. Further longitudinal studies are needed to understand the cause and improve management of GI issues in MS care.