Overview: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive neurological disease with millions of people affected worldwide. Currently, MS is the most common non-traumatic neurological disease affecting young adults in the United States today, with an estimated 1 million individuals with MS nationwide. Recent evidence has established that the quality of life (QOL) for those with MS is lower than the general population. Futher exploration into the dimensions of health that are contributing to this diminished QOL is needed. Purpose: Identifying and describing the health and wellness needs individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple schlerosis (RRMS) report as essential to their QOL. Additional aims investigate why these needs are essential to the individual’s overall health and wellness and the perceived barriers to meeting these identified needs. Methods: Adults with a self-reported diagnosis of RRMS were recruited for this explanatory sequential mixed-method study guided by the phenomenological approach. Study participants completed the SF-36v2 survey along with demographic information. One-sample z-tests were completed for all subscales and component means. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted until data saturation was reached. Interview data were analyed using a thematic content analysis approach. Results: All values of z were statistically significant, p < .01. Social function and physical function subscales and the mental health component score had the lowest mean scores compared to the general population. A first stage depression screen revealed that 49% of the surveyed population were at risk for depression, compared to 18% in the general population. For years since MS diagnosis, stratification of data revealed 61% of the ‘0-3 years since diagnosis’ group was at risk for depression. Lifestyle behaviors and social engagement followed as the next most frequent themes emerging from the data. While a decrease in physical function is prevalent in the RRMS population, addressing this was a low priority for optimizing QOL. Conclusions: Overall, the mental health of individuals with RRMS was shown to influence QOL as much as physica health. However, early in the disease course, mental health affected QOL more than physical health. Mental health and lifestyle behaviors were perceived as significant contributors to QOL and the areas reported as having the greatest need. Access to dietary information, exercise guidance, and general education about living with MS were also identified as essential factors to improving QOL. Individuals with RRMS perceive mental, emotional, and social health as essential components to their QOL.
