Predictors of life satisfaction among caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis

Research on life satisfaction among caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is sparse. This study examined the extent to which MS-specific disease and psychosocial characteristics predict caregiver life satisfaction. Participants were 64 caregivers of patients with MS and the patients for whom they care. Multiple regression analysis indicated that caregiver perception of illness uncertainty and patients' unawareness of deficits have unique value in predicting caregiver life satisfaction, even after accounting for general financial status. Gender and level of social support were also important contributing factors to caregiver life satisfaction. The findings suggest that duration and severity of the patients' illness take a greater toll on life satisfaction of caregivers with low versus high social support, particularly among women caregivers.