Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.24141/2/10/1/1
Patients With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Dignity
Anita Barković
orcid.org/0009-0001-0582-8224
; University Hospital Center Zagreb
Branko Malojčić
; University Hospital Center Zagreb
Kristina Hanžek
orcid.org/0000-0001-7358-9387
; University Hospital Center Zagreb
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory,
demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disease
of the central nervous system with a variable
and unpredictable clinical course, affecting approximately
6,500 individuals in the Republic of Croatia.
Untreated, the disease irreversibly leads to severe
neurological impairment and over time, may cause
disability in daily life, potentially resulting in feelings
of indignity among patients.
Aim. The aim of the study is to examine the expectations
and satisfaction of individuals with multiple
sclerosis regarding the respect for their dignity in
daily healthcare. Special emphasis was placed on
differences regarding the duration of the disease, as
well as the method and frequency of therapy application.
Methods. The study included a total of 150 individuals
with multiple sclerosis and was conducted at the
Neurology Clinic of the University Hospital Centre Zagreb.
A hospitalized patients’ dignity scale, consisting
of 21 questions, was used. The questions assess
patients’ expectations and satisfaction regarding the
behavior of doctors and nurses in the hospital. Satisfaction
and expectations of patients were evaluated
across four domains: respect for the individual as a
human being, personal feelings, independence, and
privacy, in relation to the disease duration and the
method and frequency of therapy administration.
Results. The results indicate that patients with a
disease duration of less than 5 years report higher
satisfaction in the domain of independence. There is
no statistically significant difference in expectations
and satisfaction based on the method of therapy
administration, i.e., between patients not receiving
any therapy and those receiving therapy in the form
of tablets, injections, or infusion solutions. There is
no statistically significant difference in the expectations
and satisfaction of patients receiving therapy
at intervals shorter than 2 weeks compared to those
receiving therapy at intervals longer than 2 weeks.
Conclusion. The study suggests that the expectations
of patients regarding the mentioned domains,
in relation to disease duration, therapy modality and
frequency, are met, and their dignity is preserved.
Due to the lack of publications on the dignity of patients
with chronic diseases in Croatia, further exploration
of this topic is recommended.
Keywords
multiple sclerosis; dignity; satisfaction; expectation
Hrčak ID:
345875
URI
Publication date:
27.3.2026.
Visits: 192 *