Date

4-7-2026

Department

School of Health Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)

Chair

Michael Olson

Keywords

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, environment, depression, beliefs, perception

Disciplines

Neuroscience and Neurobiology

Abstract

This quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional correlational study examined relationships among perceived environmental risk factors, depressive symptoms, and functional symptom burden in adults diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with an unclear etiology, and some individuals attribute the diagnosis to environmental exposures such as pesticides or military service. The purpose of this study was to assess whether environmental risk perceptions were associated with depressive symptoms or functional impairment, and whether depressive symptoms were associated with functional status. Participants were recruited through online ALS support networks and advocacy organizations, resulting in a final sample of 145 adults who completed a secure online survey that included the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised (ALSFRS-R). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to evaluate associations among illness beliefs, emotional health, and functional burden. No statistically significant associations were observed between environmental risk perceptions and either depressive symptoms or functional impairment. A statistically significant inverse relationship was identified between depressive symptoms and functional status, suggesting that greater depressive symptom severity corresponded with reduced functional capacity. Depressive symptom severity demonstrated a statistically significant inverse association with ALS functional status.

Download

Share

COinS