Preventive Screening in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Comprehensive care of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) may be jeopardized by barriers to the receipt of preventive health care by this population. The objectives of this pilot study were to estimate adherence to age- and gender-appropriate U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) screening recommendations in MS patients and to determine the effects of demographic characteristics on screening. In this cross-sectional study, 75 women and 9 men with an average age of 47.2 years completed a survey adapted from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Screenings for blood pressure, blood cholesterol, weight, and cervical cancer were performed more frequently than screenings or counseling for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, chlamydia/gonorrhea, human immunodeficiency virus infection, mental health, healthy diet, alcohol use, and smoking cessation. Those with higher levels of education were twice as likely to receive cholesterol screening (P < .05), and those requiring mobility aids were 79% less likely to receive mam-mography (P < .05). Greater health responsibility was significantly related to healthy behaviors for both men and women (r2 = 0.28, P < .05). The results indicate the need for increased screening and counseling for cancer, chlamydia/gonorrhea, healthy diet, alcohol use, and smoking cessation. A study with a larger, more heterogeneous population is recommended to better assess adherence to USPSTF screening recommendations and factors that affect adherence.