Çocukluk çağı başlangıçlı multipl skleroz hastalarında öz yeterlilik ve sağlıkla ilişkili yaşam kalitesinin değerlendirilmesi

Objective: To assess the self-efficacy level and health-related quality of life in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) patients. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January-April 2022 at Hacettepe University Department of Pediatric Neurology using The Pediatric Rating of Chronic Illness Self-Efficacy (PRCISE) Scale and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Results: Twenty-nine POMS patients with a median age of 16.4 years (F/M: 20/9) were included in the study. The mean PRCISE Scale score was 101.8±22.4 and the mean PedsQL score was 66.5±16.2. Both scores were lower than previously reported in the literature. Conclusion: Lower self-efficacy and HRQoL levels might be attributed to fatigue which is common in POMS. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and quality of life should be addressed in patients with POMS.