Methods: We conducted a survey on the constitutive elements of quality of life (QOL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We recruited 20 MS patients to complete several questionnaires including Functional Assessment of MS (FAMS), Short Form 36 (SF-36), Nottingham Adjustment Scale-Japanese version (NAS-J), Sense of Coherence (SOC), and EuroQoL (EQ-5D). We also determined their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and 10 of the 20 patients answered The Schedule of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW) by semi-structured interviews.

Results: 1) We confirmed that internal consistency of FAMS was excellent. 2) Comparison analysis showed associations in most items between FAMS and SF-36. 3) Acceptance of the disorder (i. e., MS), attitude towards MS, and problem-solving ability greatly influenced QOL based on analyses of FAMS, NAS-J, SOC. 4) FAMS total score closely correlated with EQ-5D score. 5) SEIQoL-DW identified personal relations, psychological status, and execution of social roles as important constituents of QOL as well as clinical symptoms and physical status. Each scale used in the present study provided information about various constitutive element of QOL. Taking into consideration the burden placed on patients in such questionnaires as well as the result of present study, a feasible set of scales are FAMS, NAS-J.