Experiences acquiring and using mobility aids among working-age persons with multiple sclerosis living in communities in the United States.

Abstract

To examine patterns of mobility aid ownership and use among working-age United States residents with multiple sclerosis. A 30-min telephone survey in mid-2007 with 703 community-dwelling, working-age adults who self-reported having multiple sclerosis; response rate was 73.4%. We identified potential survey respondents using membership lists of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. All analyses and calculations used sampling weights to produce population estimates. Among working-age persons with multiple sclerosis living in communities nationwide, 60.5% own at least one mobility aid, most commonly manual wheelchairs (38.4%), followed by canes or crutches (35.7%). Despite owning mobility aids, many had not used this equipment in the previous 12 mos, including 4.5% of power wheelchair owners, 13.8% of those with manual wheelchairs, and 9.3% of scooter owners. Among manual wheelchair and scooter users, 25%-30% used this equipment only outside their homes. Many reported needing wheeled mobility aids inside their homes but being unable to move their equipment easily within their homes. Persons with multiple sclerosis own many mobility aids but can confront substantial barriers to their use, especially within homes. Consultations with physiatrists and home evaluations by physical or occupational therapists before purchasing equipment could provide practical suggestions for addressing barriers.