Quality of Life Structural Equation Model for Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• Published in: Rehabilitation nursing Vol. 46; no. 5; pp. 253 - 261
• Main Authors: Oh, Juyeon, Kim, Jung A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01-09-2021; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ovid Technologies
• Subjects: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Health psychology; Mental depression; Nursing; Physical fitness; Quality of life; Rehabilitation; Social support; Structural equation modeling; South Korea
• ISSN: 0278-4807; 2048-7940
• DOI: 10.1097/RNJ.0000000000000292

PurposeThe aim of the study was to propose and test a quality of life model among Korean patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using structural equation modeling.DesignA cross-sectional study was performed.MethodsData from 184 patients with ALS were collected from two university hospitals in Seoul and Busan, South Korea, between June and December 2018.FindingsThe modified model indices indicated adequate data fit. Quality of life predictors were social support, physical functional status, depression, and general health perception.ConclusionThis study improved the understanding of quality of life for Korean patients with ALS, including complex direct and indirect relationships among quality of life factors.Clinical RelevanceDepression was identified as the most influential factor in this population; hence, early assessment and timely intervention for depression are essential for better quality of life in patients with ALS.