Browsing by Author "Tremlett, Helen"

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    Adverse health behaviours are associated with depression and anxiety in multiple sclerosis: A prospective multisite study
    (SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, 2016) McKay, Kyla A.; Tremlett, Helen; Fisk, John D.; Patten, Scott B.; Fiest, Kirsten; Berrigan, Lindsay; Marrie, Ruth Ann
    Background: Depression and anxiety are common among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), as are adverse health behaviours, but the associations between these factors are unclear. Objective: To evaluate the associations between cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and depression and anxiety in MS in a cross-Canada prospective study. Methods: From July 2010 to March 2011 we recruited consecutive MS patients from four MS clinics. At three visits over two years, clinical and demographic information was collected, and participants completed questionnaires regarding health behaviours and mental health. Results: Of 949 participants, 75.2% were women, with a mean age of 48.6 years; most had a relapsing-remitting course (72.4%). Alcohol dependence was associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.32-2.58) and depression (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.05-2.23) adjusting for age, sex, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and smoking status. Smoking was associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.02-1.63) and depression (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.04-1.78) adjusting for age, sex, EDSS, and alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence was associated with an increased incidence of depression but not anxiety. Depression was associated with an increased incidence of alcohol dependence. Conclusion: Alcohol dependence and smoking were associated with anxiety and depression. Awareness of the effects of adverse health behaviours on mental health in MS might help target counselling and support for those 'at risk'.
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    Determinants of non-adherence to disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: A cross-Canada prospective study
    (SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, 2017) McKay, Kyla A.; Tremlett, Helen; Patten, Scott B.; Fisk, John D.; Evans, Charity; Fiest, Kirsten; Campbell, Trudy; Marrie, Ruth Ann
    Background: Poor adherence to the disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) may attenuate clinical benefit. A better understanding of characteristics associated with non-adherence could improve outcomes. Objective: To evaluate characteristics associated with non-adherence to injectable DMTs. Methods: Consecutive patients from four Canadian MS Clinics were assessed at three time points over two years. Clinical and demographic information included self-reported DMT use, missed doses in the previous 30 days, health behaviors, and comorbidities. Non-adherence was defined as <80% of expected doses taken. We employed generalized estimating equations to examine characteristics associated with non-adherence at all time points with findings reported as adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results: In all, 485 participants reported use of an injectable DMT, of whom 107 (22.1%) were non-adherent over the study period. Non-adherence was associated with a lower Expanded Disability Status Scale score (0-2.5 vs 3.0-5.5, OR: 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-3.04), disease duration (>= 5 vs < 5 years, OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.10-4.52), alcohol dependence (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.23-3.75), and self-reported cognitive difficulties, measured by the Health Utilities Index-3 (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.08-2.22). Conclusions: Nearly one-quarter of participants were non-adherent during the study. Alcohol dependence, perceived cognitive difficulties, longer disease duration, and mild disability status were associated with non-adherence. These characteristics may help healthcare professionals identify patients at greatest risk of poor adherence.