HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Singapore or Virtually from your home or work.

4th Edition of

International Public Health Conference

March 24-26, 2025 | Singapore

IPHC 2025

Understanding the social burden of multiple sclerosis patients in Georgia: A comprehensive analysis of quality of life and sociodemographic factors

Speaker at International Public Health Conference 2025 - Natalia Khutsishvili
The University of Georgia, Georgia
Title : Understanding the social burden of multiple sclerosis patients in Georgia: A comprehensive analysis of quality of life and sociodemographic factors

Abstract:

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that significantly impacts individuals' quality of life and imposes a substantial social burden on patients and society. Despite its global socioeconomic implications, limited research has focused on the social burden of MS. This study aimed to assess the social burden of MS in Georgia by evaluating the health-related quality of life of MS patients and exploring the correlation between disease burden and quality of life.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed to assess the social burden of the disease by evaluating the impact of the disease on the quality of life of 385 patients with MS. The MSQoL-54 questionnaire was administered to assess quality of life.

Results: The Expanded Disability Status Scale score was significantly negatively correlated with the physical health composite score (r = - 0.249, p<0.001) and the general quality of life score (r = - 0.220, p<0.001). The quality of life was highly associated with gender, employment status, living/residence place and moderately with the age.

Conclusion: This study revealed the intricate interplay between disability, quality of life, and sociodemographic factors among Georgian MS patients. The results of the study highlight the need for specialized therapies, networks of support, and public health initiatives to lessen the societal cost of multiple sclerosis.

Biography:

Dr. Natalia Khutsishvili studied medicine at the Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia and graduated as general practitioner in 2006. She continued her education and received Masters Degree in Public Health at the University of Georgia. Dr. Khutsishvili is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Georgia, where she conducts research in the Department of Public Health. Her research focuses on the social burden of multiple sclerosis and its impact on patients' quality of life. Dr. Khutsishvili is dedicated to advancing public health initiatives and improving the well-being of individuals affected by chronic diseases.

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