Affiliations: [a] Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia | [b] School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia | [c] Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia | [d] Multiple Sclerosis Association - ACT/NSW/VIC, Melbourne, Australia | [e] MS Research, Sydney, Australia
Correspondence:
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Correspondence to: Marita McCabe, Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Level 5, 215 Spring St., Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia. Tel.: +61 3 9953 3602; Marita.McCabe@acu.edu.au; Web: www.acu.edu.au.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and can cause difficulties in a number of areas of a person’s life, including their ability to function in the community. Employment, finances, and transport are important elements to ensure continued functioning in the community and ongoing rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined satisfaction with the extent to which the above needs were addressed by service providers.
METHODS: It examined the role of gender, age, and symptom severity. A total of 2721 people with MS aged 19 and 92 years (M = 52.10, SD = 11.80) completed the study.
RESULTS: Areas of need included information about eligibility for services from government and local councils, for financial assistance and understanding welfare and benefits.
CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that younger and mildly affected participants were least satisfied. Other areas of unmet need included transportation for the people more severely affected by MS and financial assistance to help people purchase mobility aids.
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, employment, transport, equipment, community
