Date Presented 04/20/2023
This correlational study examined the relationship among social support, self-efficacy, parental competence, and satisfaction with assistive technology (AT) for mothers with multiple sclerosis (MS). Results show significant correlations, supporting OT interventions in this population.
Primary Author and Speaker: Yan-hua Huang
Additional Authors and Speakers: Emily Acker, Hannah Chang, Annabelle Clegg, Megan Gibson
PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship among social support, self efficacy, parental competence and satisfaction with assistive technology (AT) among mothers with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
DESIGN: This study used a correlational survey design. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling via the National MS Society and MS Accelerated Cure.
METHOD: The survey included demographic data and 6 standardized surveys: Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale; Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; General Self Efficacy Scale; Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT; Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey; and Parenting Sense of Competence Scale.
RESULTS: 144 mothers with MS participated in this study. There was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation among social support, parental competence and self efficacy (r=.35, p<.01) and a statistically significant low-moderate negative correlation between the physical and psychological impact of MS and social support (r=-.26 and -.38, p<.01, respectively). There was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between parental competence and self efficacy (r=.51, p<.01) and a significant low negative correlation between the physical and psychological impact of MS and self efficacy (r=-.17 and -.23, p<.01, respectively). There was a statistically significant positive moderate correlation between satisfaction with AT and parental competence (r=.43, p<.01) and a statistically significant negative low correlation between satisfaction with AT and psychological impact of MS (r=-.37, p<.01). Mothers who used AT had statistically significant higher self efficacy than mothers who did not (t(33)= 2.68, p<.01, df=142).
CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate social support, self efficacy and AT are correlated with parental competence among mothers with MS. OTs can focus interventions on these factors, supporting parental competence and role participation for this population.
References
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