Effectiveness of a self-management educational program among people with multiple sclerosis: a pre-test post-test intervention study

Abstract

Beyond pharmacological disease-modifying therapies, evidence suggests that structured self-management interventions can optimize functional independence, reduce secondary complications, and enhance quality of life. However, data from Middle Eastern multiple sclerosis (MS) populations, especially regarding telehealth-delivered self-management programs, remain scarce. Therefore, we conducted the current study to assess the effectiveness of a telehealth self-management educational program on the quality of life (QoL) of people with MS (PwMS). A one-group pre–post interventional study was conducted among 42 PwMS attending the outpatient clinic at Alexandria Main University Hospital. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising: (1) socio-demographic and MS-related clinical data; (2) the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale–Revised (MSSM-R); and (3) the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life questionnaire (MusiQoL). Participants received a structured telehealth educational and follow-up program targeting cognitive-behavioral strategies. The mean MSSM-R total score increased significantly from 84.7 ± 14.4 at baseline to 90.9 ± 13.8 immediately post-intervention and 96.1 ± 14.3 at 3 months (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in knowledge (13.6 ± 3.7 to 17.1 ± 2.4), health maintenance behavior (12.5 ± 3.8 to 15.7 ± 3.0), and treatment adherence (26.4 ± 7.4 to 29.2 ± 6.4) (all p < 0.001). The total MusiQoL score increased from 59.8 ± 15.2 at baseline to 65.7 ± 14.8 at 3 months (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in activities of daily living (p = 0.015), psychological well-being (p = 0.001), symptoms (p < 0.001), and rejection (p = 0.028), while other domains showed no statistically significant changes. A structured telehealth-based self-management program resulted in measurable improvements in self-management capacity and quality of life in people with MS. These findings support the integration of self-management education, particularly for newly diagnosed individuals, into standard MS care and highlight the value of involving family members to reinforce patient adaptation and disease control.