DOI: 10.1080/16501970600731537

Objective: To describe multiple sclerosis and its impact on individuals' perceived problems in functioning, particularly in the domains of self-care, mobility and domestic life. Design: A population-based study in a prevalence cohort of multiple sclerosis subjects in Central Finland region carried out in the year 2000. Subjects: A total of 240 subjects with multiple sclerosis. Methods: A postal questionnaire for assessing physical functioning was developed. Results: Ninety percent of the study population completed the study. Subjects' average age was 48. 2 years (range 20–76 years) and time since symptom onset was 15. 8 years (range 0–56 years). Of the subjects, 82% were fully independent in self-care activities and 53% in domestic life, 50% were able to walk without any perceived problems and 38% had a permanent need for a walking aid. Fatigue was the most frequent complaint having an impact on subjects' daily life. Ninety-five subjects out of 240 (40%) were engaged in working life. Conclusion: These data give a clear indication of favourable functioning in mobility, self-care and domestic life. However, the fact remains that multiple sclerosis is a disabling and costly disease. These results provide information for use by local and national authorities in planning and co-ordinating rehabilitation interventions and social services.