Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory and demyelinating
disease that affects the central neuro system (CNS) and patients’ quality of life. This is
particularly relevant as MS impacts young individuals, during their productive years. Aim: To
describe the demographic characteristics and health-related quality of life of individuals with
MS in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region. Materials and methods: A descriptive
study of individuals with MS was conducted; demographic information was collected, and
health-related quality of life was assessed with the SF-36 v.2 instrument. Results: A total of
40 patients, between 21 to 65 years of age (57.5% women) were evaluated. They had MS
for an average of 7.59 ± 7.38 years. In the SF-36 v.2, the lowest average scores were in the
dimensions of Vitality (53.75 points) and General Health (61.00 points), while the highest
scores were in Social Functioning (72.50 points) and Physical Functioning (71.63 points).
There was no sex-based difference in quality of life. Conclusions: MS produces a gradual and
varied decline of neurological functions, leading to a reduction of quality of life, mainly in the
dimensions of Vitality and General Health perception
Keywords:
Multiple Sclerosis, Quality of Life, Disease Progression
Retamal-Matus, H., Fernández-Calderón, R., Fernández-Elgueta, A., Martínez-Alarcón, C., & Montaña-Yañez, G. (2020). Health-related quality of life of individuals with multiple sclerosis from the Magallanes Region of Chile. Revista Chilena De Salud Pública, 23(2), p. 97–104. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-5281.2019.56345
