Recent studies suggest that people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may be less likely than persons without a chronic health condition to use health promoting and preventive measures (HPPM) such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, pap-smears, and mammograms. The purpose of this paper is to, first, compare the rate of HPPM usage by persons with MS to national data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Data describing the similarities and differences between these two groups will be presented and areas of concern will be highlighted to target for improvement. Next, this paper will investigate the factors related to the discrepancies in HPPM between these to groups. For example, persons with MS often rely on their neurologist as their primary health care provider to the exclusion of a general practitioner or internist. However, specialists are less likely to provide preventive counseling and services than primary care physicians. Therefore, persons with MS may not receive the recommended preventive counseling and services placing them at risk for the development of secondary conditions.
This study investigated these issues through a telephone interview with a nationally representative sample of National Multiple Sclerosis Society members. The BRFSS served as the basis for the interview questions pertaining to HPPM and was supplemented with MS specific questions. Data from approximately 2,500 interviews will be presented to address the use of HPPM in this population and its relationship to type of health care provider.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify similarities and differences in health promotion and preventive measures (HPPM) between persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and a national sample. 2. Recognize areas of concern for persons with disabilities such as MS and the implications. 3. Discuss factors related to discrepancies between these two groups in the usage of HPPM (e.g., type of health care provider).
Keywords: Health Promotion, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: This study was funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) and conducted by Westat.
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.