Quality of life among patients with multiple sclerosis: association with disease acceptance, optimism, and health-promoting behaviors

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system, primarily affecting individuals in early adulthood and serving as a leading cause of disability among young adults. Despite advancements in understanding its etiology, there is currently no cure for MS. The disease's unpredictability, progression, and associated symptoms can significantly impair patients' daily, familial, social, and professional functioning, thereby substantially diminishing their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in patients with MS and its association with optimism, disease acceptance, and health-promoting behaviors. The study was conducted among 101 MS patients (mean age of 40.55 years). It utilized a questionnaire designed by the authors, encompassing sociodemographic and clinical data, as well as standardized instruments: the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire (MusiQoL). Data analysis revealed that: The average QoL score on the MusiQoL scale was 69.33 out of 100. Respondents' optimism was at a moderate level and significantly correlated with higher QoL. The average score for health-promoting behaviors was 84.2, with a positive psychological attitude showing the strongest association with improved QoL. The level of disease acceptance among MS patients was moderate, averaging 29.84 out of 40 points. Increased disease acceptance significantly enhanced respondents' QoL. Higher levels of disease acceptance and optimism positively influence QoL in MS patients. Health-promoting behaviors are significantly correlated with various QoL domains in this population.