Comparing Body Image in MS Patients and Healthy Individuals

 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is of great importance due to its frequency, chronicity, and prevalence in young adults. The purpose of this study was to compare the body image of MS patients with that of healthy individuals.

 In the present causal-comparative study, the study population consisted of all MS patients referred to the Neurology Clinic . The study participants consisted of 200 patients (100 patients with MS and 100 healthy individuals) selected through convenience sampling. Data were obtained using the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) (Cash, 1990). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics, such as analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), in SPSS software.

 The results of the data analysis illustrated a significant difference between MS patients and healthy people in terms of Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS) and weight variables (P < 0.05).

 This study showed that MS could have psychological consequences to help us in psychosocial treatment approaches .