Korean J Rehabil Nurs.  2013 Dec;16(2):122-132.

Quality of Life in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• Heo HS
• Choi-Kwon

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study measured the quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
METHODS
The participants consisted of consecutive patients with ALS who visited the neurology outpatient department from January to July, 2008. To collect the data, face-to-face interviews were applied at S national university hospital in Seoul. Using multivariate analysis, factors to predict QOL in ALS patients including demographic factors, functional independence, depression, anxiety, social support and quality of life were analyzed.
RESULTS
The final analysis included 69 patients. The mean score for the physical health and mental health components was 34.4+/-21.3 and 44.7+/-20.6, respectively. The mean score for the ALS functional rating scale was 24.3+/-10.8 out of 40. Anxious and depressed patients accounted for 44.9% and 71%, respectively. Quality of life in ALS patients was significantly affected by functional independence, depression and anxiety level.
CONCLUSION
To improve the quality of life in ALS patients with declining functional independence, comprehensive interventions are necessary to manage depression and anxiety.

Keyword

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Quality of life; Anxiety; Depression

MeSH Terms

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis*
Anxiety
Demography
Depression
Humans
Mental Health
Multivariate Analysis
Neurology
Outpatients
Quality of Life*
Seoul