Support Needs in Men and Women with Multiple Sclerosis
A study with 670 participants explored the support preferences of men and women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Both genders valued neurologist support, but men primarily sought informational support (39%), while women highlighted emotional (27.6%) and informational (26.8%) support. Additionally, 24.5% of men and 17% of women reported unmet support needs, particularly around informational support.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Limited
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
Understanding how men and women with MS differ in their support needs can inform neurologist practices and improve patient care. Addressing these specific needs may enhance treatment engagement and satisfaction.
What this does not prove
Findings may reflect particular care contexts and are based on qualitative data rather than quantitative measures, limiting generalizability and objectivity.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 670 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-21
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- men and women with Multiple Sclerosis
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceComparing Preferences of Men and Women With Multiple Sclerosis for Neurologist-Provided Support. ↗DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2025-086
Supporting passages (9)
study designPublication types: Journal Article
subjectsWe aimed to identify similarities and differences between men and women with MS in their fulfilled and unmet needs and expectations regarding neurologist-provided support.
sample sizeSix hundred seventy participants contributed 1446 text inputs (372 from 163 men; 1074 from 507 women).
populationTitle: Comparing Preferences of Men and Women With Multiple Sclerosis for Neurologist-Provided Support.
findingsBoth men and women valued a range of neurologist support, including active listening, clear information, sufficient consultation time, and empathy; men most frequently reported receiving informational support (39.0%), whereas women emphasized both emotional (27.6%) and informational support (26.8%).
findingsOverall, 24.5% of men and 17.0% of women reported unmet support needs and expectations, with informational support accounting for nearly two-thirds of men's (65.3%) and one-third of women's (32.9%) unmet needs.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-21
limitationsTitle: Comparing Preferences of Men and Women With Multiple Sclerosis for Neurologist-Provided Support.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
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