O'Hagan, Maria T; (1995) Physical disability and bladder and sexual dysfunction: Interrelationships in women with multiple sclerosis. Masters thesis (M.Phil), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

MS is a devastating and debilitating disease and it has among its sequalae a variety of disabilities as well as significant disturbance of the autonomic nervous system. These disturbances may affect the psychological, physical, sexual and social well-being of the individual. Though physical disability, perceptions of disability, bladder and sexual dysfunction have been studied as single entities, there is ample evidence to suggest that patients with MS encounter multiple and diverse problems and these are often inextricably linked. The purpose of this study was two-fold, firstly to investigate the relationships between impairments (as measured by the Kurtzke scale) and their manifestation in terms of physical disabilities. Secondly, to examine interrelationships between in the first instance, physical disability, urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction and then examining perceptions and beliefs in relation to performance. Forty women with clinically definite multiple sclerosis, aged between 18 and 50 years and referred to the hospital rehabilitation team were consecutively recruited to the study. Interview schedules, self-report questionnaires and observation of performance were used to measure the following variables: impairment, physical disability, perceptions of physical disability, bladder and sexual dysfunction, mood state, quality of life and perceived control. The tools of measurement included the Kurtzke Functional Systems and Expanded Disability Status Scales, a perceived level of disability questionnaire, the Rivermead Mobility Index, a timed walk, a urinary symptom questionnaire, the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, the Profile of Mood State questionnaire and scales to measure quality of life and perceived control. Non parametric statistics were used to analyse the complete data available in the forty subjects. Some of the hypotheses posed in the study were supported, some were not. Reasons for this are discussed fully in relation to the literature.

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