The Effect of Socio-Demographic Features and Perceived Social Support on Medical Adherence in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of some socio-demographic characteristics and perceived social support of MS patients on treatment compliance. The sample of this study, which is made up of descriptive type, consists of 200 patients who follow the policlinic of Neurology department of Çapa Medical Faculty Hospital in Istanbul. Patients who did not use the sample selection method in the study and who accepted to participate, who were literate, who were aged between 18-65 and were not in attack period and who had regular MS treatment for at least 6 months were included in the study. The research data were gathered by the researcher at the MS Clinic in different days of the week between 01.08.2017-01.12.2017. The Socio-Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, the Perceived Social Support Scale and the Morisky Medical Adherence Scale took approximately 10 minutes to complete. All of the data obtained in the study were analyzed in the SPSS 24.0 statistical package program. The mean multidimensional perceived social support points of the patients included in the study were found to be as high as 62.28 ± 18.75. The majority of MS patients (56%) participating in the study were found to have a moderate compliance level. Socio demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, working status) did not significantly change the level of compliance. The median level of compliance with treatment at the high level, median compliance, and MSPSS scores of patients with low compliance were found to be similar and high. Drug form and duration of illness do not make a meaningful difference in perceived social support, nor do they change the level of compliance with treatment. Mean MSPSS total scores of married MS patients participating in the study and a specific human subscale score averages were significantly higher than the divorced patients (p <.05). Nurses and other health professionals should demonstrate the strong link between the patient's social support and care compliance and make necessary healing initiatives. The planning of the given trainings to create awareness within the two sides is gaining importance in this process by thinking holistically of the patient and his / her relatives. Key words: treatment compliance, social support, Multipl sclerosis, nursing