Online versus Traditional Social Participation and Emotional Health of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurogenerative illness that can diminish physical and cognitive functioning and impair social participation. In this study we analyze (1) the determinants of social participation through online social networks, interaction with friends and interaction with community for individuals with MS and (2) the relationship between social participation and emotional health (anxiety, depression, happiness) of MS patients. 

Methods:  An original survey (Davidson Social Participation Survey) was conducted in Spring 2015 by the authors and the North American Research Committee on MS (NARCOMS). The survey responses were linked with the respondents’ (2) sociodemographic and baseline health data from NARCOMS Enrollment Survey and NARCOMS Fall 2014 Update Survey. The sample comprised of 464 individuals diagnosed with Relapsing/Remitting or Secondary Progressive MS, 18 years of age or older, who lived in the U.S. , not in a nursing home.  Preliminary Logistics regression analysis was conducted in which reverse causation was mitigated by measuring explanatory variables at an earlier point (Fall 2014 or during 6 months in Fall 2014-Spring 2015) than outcomes (Spring 2015). Full analysis (underway) uses an instrumental variables method to address the endogeneity problem;  emotional health outcome variables are validated indeces for depression, anxiety and happiness.

Preliminary Results: 82% of respondents were women; average age was 58. 67% of respondents participated in online social networks at least once per week; 87% interacted with friends at least once per week, and 53% spent time in an organized group at least once a week.  Using naïve, exogenous logit regressions, we found that engagement with friends and communities was associated with better emotional health (higher likelihood of feeling happy, having purpose in life, not feeling lonely) for individuals with MS, while finding no evidence of association between participating in online social networks and emotional health. Living within 30 minutes from a friend was associated with a higher likelihood of all types of social participation as well as with being happy. Owning a car increased the likelihood of community social participation. Having access to internet at home increased the likelihood of online social participation.

Discussion of Preliminary Results: Focusing on enabling social engagement with friends and communities may improve emotional health of individuals with MS.  Such engagement may be enabled through facilitating living accommodation within short distance from friends and transportation.