The effect of the Australian bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic on health behaviours in people with multiple sclerosis

C.H. Marck; A. Hunter; B. Heritage; L. Gibbs; A.G. Kermode; D.I. Walker; Y.C. Learmonth

doi:10.1016/j.msard.2021.103042

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The effect of the Australian bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic on health behaviours in people with multiple sclerosis

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The effect of the Australian bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic on health behaviours in people with multiple sclerosis

C.H. Marck, A. Hunter, B. Heritage, L. Gibbs, A.G. Kermode, D.I. Walker and Y.C. Learmonth

Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, Vol.53, Article 103042

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2021.103042

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Abstract

Background Crises and disasters disproportionally impact people with chronic health conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Australian Black Summer Bushfires on health behaviours in people with MS. Methods People with MS, carers, healthcare and advocacy professionals were recruited online between May-July 2020 for an online survey and telephone interviews. Results Survey items relating to health behaviours were completed by 113 people with MS, and 18 people with MS, 4 MS advocates, 5 healthcare professionals, and 2 carers were interviewed. The bushfires affected 34.5% and the pandemic affected 74.3% of survey participants with MS. The pandemic and bushfires caused a decrease in physical activity in 53.8% and 55.3% of participants respectively, as well as increases in unhealthy eating (43.6% and 24.3% respectively) and alcohol consumption (35.4% and 10.5% respectively), and a decrease in typical sleeping patterns (40.5% and 39.5% respectively). Conversely, 27.5% of participants reported an increase in physical activity during the pandemic. Interview data detailed the circumstances and motivations for changes in health behaviours, as well as consequences, including reduced mobility, fitness, mood disturbances, and weight gain. Conclusion There is a need to increase support and health promotion for people with MS to maintain or initiate positive health behaviours, especially in times of adversity.

Details

Title: The effect of the Australian bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic on health behaviours in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors/Creators: C.H. Marck (Author/Creator) - The University of Melbourne
A. Hunter (Author/Creator) - The University of Melbourne
B. Heritage (Author/Creator)
L. Gibbs (Author/Creator) - The University of Melbourne
A.G. Kermode (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
D.I. Walker (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
Y.C. Learmonth (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
Publication Details: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, Vol.53, Article 103042
Publisher: Elsevier
Identifiers: 991005542007407891
Copyright: © 2021 Elsevier B.V.
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Allied Health; School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences; Harry Butler Institute
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.203 Neuromuscular Disorders; 1.203.147 Multiple Sclerosis
Web Of Science research areas: Clinical Neurology
ESI research areas: Neuroscience & Behavior