Perceived Vulnerability to Disability-Related Victimization in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Community Survey on Risk and Protective Factors.

Background: The perception that one is at increased risk of interpersonal victimization or violence can deleteriously affect community participation and quality of life. Race, sex, and disability status, often associated with use of an assistive mobility device (AD), are known correlates of perceived risk of victimization; however, almost no research has explored how these variables intersect for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), and none have sought to identify potential risk and protective factors.

Methods: Data for the present study come from a single time point derived from a 10-year longitudinal survey of 446 individuals with MS.