Survey Results Show How the Pandemic Has Negatively Impacted MS Patients

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative emotional and physical impact on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to new research, the findings of which were presented in a poster at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting. 

“The broad impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with [MS] and their health, behaviors, and ability to seek care is not well understood,” wrote Alana T. Wong, PhD, Sanofi, Cambridge, MA, and co-researchers.

The researchers created a survey that collected views from patients with MS across Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The survey touched upon the pandemic’s impact on patient access to medical care, emotional health and well-being, and the need for additional support, as well as the role of telemedicine.

A total of 280 participants completed a 15-minute online survey between June 17 and July 22, 2020. Of the participants, 11% had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.

“Overall, 76% of people with MS reported that they are more concerned for their general health and well-being because of the pandemic, and 65% were concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their emotional status. In addition, 46% of people with MS felt they are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and 49% felt they would experience a severe form of the disease if they contracted it,” Dr Wong and colleagues reported.

Among the respondents, 63% with severe MS reported a reduction in exercise habits, 44% reported reduced access to support services, and 38% reported that they had less communication with healthcare providers. In addition, a total of 50% with mild MS and 58% with moderate MS reported a reduction in exercise.

According to this survey, 71% of respondents with MS were satisfied with medical care, compared with 88% reported prior to the pandemic. A total of 48% of participants said they feared remote assessments did not suffice, while 52% were satisfied with telehealth services.

A total of 46% of participants said they wanted more information on the impact that the pandemic could have on their symptoms, and 44% wanted to know if COVID-19 could impact their MS symptoms.

“Our survey indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on people with MS  both emotionally and physically. Moreover, people with MS are keen for extra support and information on how COVID-19 may impact disease progression or treatment,” concluded Dr Wong et al.

Wong AT, Geertsen SS, van Hoogstraten H, et al. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with Multiple Sclerosis: Results from an international survey. Poster presented at: Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 2021 Annual Meeting; October 25-28, 2021; Orlando, FL.