As has been noted in previous entries, self-efficacy is the fuel that propels the use of self-management skills across all chronic disorders. A study by Fraser and coworkers examined if there was a difference in the level of self-efficacy between men and women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). A quantitative, descriptive, comparative design was used. The convenience sample included 556 individuals with MS, of which 124 were men and 432 women. Participants completed the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale. Results showed gender differences in self-efficacy among those living with MS. Women also had a greater belief in their ability to control their MS than the men, although the difference was not significant. This study found significant differences in self-efficacy between those with rapid-remitting MS and those with progressive forms of MS. When men were compared by type of MS, those with the rapid-remitting form had significantly greater belief in their ability to control their disease and function with it than those with progressive forms of MS. Women with rapid-remitting MS had significantly greater belief in their ability to control their MS and function with it than women with progressive forms of MS.

COMMENTS: The study affirms the importance of self-efficacy in controlling MS. The authors concluded that individuals with MS could benefit from strategies that enhance self-efficacy. This is a reasonable conclusion.

C. Fraser et al. A comparative study of self-efficacy in men and women with multiple sclerosis. Neuroscience Nursing, 2007;39:102-106.