Self-Care, Productivity and Leisure Limitations of People with Multiple Sclerosis in Manitoba

Abstract

As part of the activities of the Social Action Committee of the Multiple Sclerosis Society (Manitoba Division), a large mail-out survey was conducted in the spring of 1995. The purpose of the survey was to gather demographic, health, social and financial information from members who have multiple sclerosis to support various government lobbying efforts and to plan individual and family services. The response rate for the 720 surveys sent was 65%. This paper presents descriptive analysis exploring the occupational performance limitations experienced by the survey respondents based on the Model of Occupational Performance (CAOT, 1991). The prevalence of limitation was found to vary by specific occupation, by type of multiple sclerosis, by area of occupational performance, but not by fatigue status. The study findings have assessment and intervention implications for occupational therapists who work with people with multiple sclerosis in both institutional and community settings.