Article

A cognitive behavioural group promoting psychological adjustment for
people with multiple sclerosis (MS) was found to reduce psychological distress.
Not all those offered treatment attended the group sessions.
The aims were to
examine the rates of attendance and to evaluate feedback from participants.
METHOD: Participants with MS and low mood were recruited to a randomized trial
comparing attendance at a psychological support group with a usual care control
group. The attendance at each session was determined and those who attended were
compared with those who failed to attend using a Mann-Whitney U-test or
chi-squared. A sample of participants completed a telephone feedback
questionnaire to determine their views of the group. RESULTS: The 44 participants
who attended four or more sessions were not significantly different from the 28
who attended fewer than four sessions on demographic variables, disability,
self-efficacy or quality of life, but significantly fewer men attended than women
(p = 0.03). Participants' feedback from the group was mainly positive, and no
factors were identified associated with non-attendance. CONCLUSIONS: Men were
less likely to attend group treatment sessions than women, but no other variables
were associated with non-attendance. Attendance rates influence the effectiveness
of interventions and reasons for non-attendance need to be determined.

Langue : ANGLAIS