Abstract:Objective To observe the effects of interferon β-1b (IFNβ-1b) on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and to determine the influential factors for QOL.Methods Thirteen MS patients treated with IFNβ-1b were included in the study. The scores on Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were determined at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment.Results The MS patients treated with IFNβ-1b showed no significant changes in QOL and EDSS, HAMA, and HAMD scores at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment (P>0.05 for all). Before treatment, patients' physical health, sexual function, and satisfaction with sexual life were negatively correlated with EDSS score (P<0.05 for all); role limitation due to emotional problems and bodily pain were positively correlated with the course of disease (P<0.05 for both); physical health, emotional status, social function, sexual function, and satisfaction with sexual life were negatively correlated with HAMA score (P<0.05 for all); cognitive function and stress were negatively correlated with HAMD score (P<0.05 for both). Role limitation due to physical problems, energy, health perception, overall QOL, and change in health showed no correlations with the course of disease and EDSS, HAMA and HAMD scores (P>0.05 for all), and no correlation was found between age and QOL (P >0.05).Conclusions IFN-β1b therapy may not have significant impact on QOL in MS patients in short time. QOL is correlated with EDSS score and anxiety and depressive symptoms.