Prevalence and Correlates of Body Image Dissatisfaction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Background: Body image dissatisfaction (BID) strongly predicts undesirable outcomes including disordered eating, depression, and low self-esteem. Persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) may experience higher BID due to changes in mobility and functioning and high rates of depression; however, little research has explored BID in PwMS. Identifying factors predicting BID in PwMS would help providers become more aware of BID and its possible negative outcomes. Methods: Sample included 151 patients diagnosed with MS and receiving care at the Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center for MS. After informed consent, the Body Shape Questionnaire was administered and demographic information was collected from medical charts. Data on MS-specific variables were collected via computerized testing. Results: A one-sample t-test, an independent-samples t-test, and a hierarchical linear regression were conducted. Average scores on BID were not significantly different from the population mean. Patients with Moderate/Marked C...