Comparing the Effect of Face to Face and Group Discussion Teaching Methods on Quality of Life Improvement among Patients Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: The ultimate goal of care programs for patients with MS is to improve their quality of life (QOL). Nowadays, a variety of methods are used for providing health-oriented programs. This study was conducted to compare the effect of face to face and group discussion teaching methods on improving the quality of life among patients suffering from MS. Methods: This quasi-experimental two group study of before-after intervention type was conducted on a convenient sample of 70 patients who visited Mashhad MS Society within 2011-2012. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups (n=35). Their QOL was assessed using standard questionnaire of SF-36 which its reliability and validity have been confirmed in previous studies. Then intervention was completed by performing either face to face or group discussion teaching. One month later, QOL was assessed again. Data was analyzed using independent and paired t-test, chi2 at 95% significance level. Results: Before intervention, total score of QOL was 41.6±4.7 (out of 100) for face to face group and 40.8±4.5 for group discussion group. These scores showed a significant increase after intervention (56.3±5.1 and 50.4±4.7, respectively). According to the results of independent and paired t-test, the scores for different subscales of QOL significantly increased in both groups after intervention and this increase was higher for face to face group (P<0.05). A significant difference was observed in QOL according to age and employment status. This is while no significant difference was observed in QOL in different states of educational level, marital status, and gender (P <0.05). Conclusion: Provided availability of sufficient resources, face to face teaching self-care programs prove more helpful compared to group discussion programs for chronic disease sufferers such as MS.