Abstract Details

Title Applying the COM-B Model to Identify Behaviors and Factors for Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Management

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) MS and CNS Inflammatory Disease Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 190

Objective To apply the COM-B model to a qualitative analysis of open-ended responses about behaviors and factors learned in a multiple sclerosis (MS) fatigue program, Fatigue: Take Control (FTC).

Background Fatigue affects over 70% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Self-management interventions improve MS-related fatigue. FTC is a six-week self-management program that teaches skills and strategies to manage MS fatigue. Older self-management interventions were designed before a method, such as Michie’s Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model, existed for identifying the behaviors and factors needed for chronic disease self-management.

Design/Methods We had the unique opportunity to follow up participants 5-6 years after a randomized controlled trial (original trial n=204 followed for 6 months, subgroup n=74 followed for 12 months) comparing FTC to a general MS education control program entitled MS: Take Control (MSTC). The COM-B model was applied retrospectively to FTC content, then to the open-ended questionnaire responses as an important first step in evaluating the rich text and reflection to identify influencing factors and behaviors for fatigue self-management.

Results Of the 74 subjects followed for 12 months, 37 completed a 17-item open-ended questionnaire. We identified behaviors relevant to managing MS fatigue, e. g.: prioritize and schedule activities, including exercise; establish good eating habits, and organize environments, and influencing factors: family and pets, MS and other peers, medical professionals, and program participation. Through this process of identifying behaviors, influencing factors like barriers and facilitators become separate components.

Conclusions The COM-B model was not applied to design FTC, but it helped identify the underlying behaviors and factors for self-managing MS fatigue. This was an important initial step in evaluating the open-ended responses 5-6 years after FTC/MSTC. To our knowledge, no other study has evaluated a behavior intervention beyond 12 months nor retrospectively used the COM-B model to assess behaviors and factors associated with MS fatigue management.

Authors/Disclosures
ShienPei Silverman (VAPORHCS) PRESENTER	ShienPei Silverman has nothing to disclose.
Julia Norton, BA (VA Portland Health Care System)	Julia Norton has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Lucinda L. Hugos, PT (Portland VA Health Care System)	Ms. Hugos has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for GW Pharmaceuticals. Ms. Hugos has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for Evidera, Inc.. Ms. Hugos has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for Techspert.io Ltd.. Ms. Hugos has received research support from Portland VA. Ms. Hugos has received research support from Oregon Health & Science University. Ms. Hugos has received research support from Oregon Health & Science University. Ms. Hugos has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.

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