Chi-Square Test Critique

I chose the article, “Understanding Falls in Multiple Sclerosis: Association of Mobility Status, Concerns About Falling, and Accumulated Impairments” for this week’s discussion. Multiple sclerosis is a progressive auto-immune disease, eventually leaving most of its victims disabled, both physically and mentally (“Multiple sclerosis”, 2012). This study looked at the affects MS has on people who have been diagnosed with the disease, in regards to falls. A cross-sectional survey of 575 MS patients enabled the authors to examine the proportion of those with MS that reported a fall, had concerns about falling (CAF), or limited their activities out of fear of falling (Matsuda, Shumway-Cook, Ciol, Bombardier, & Kartin, 2012, p. 407). Also factored into this, was the quantity of additional afflictions (neurological deficits) patients experienced. The authors theorized that those with added impairments would experience more falls than those fewer impairments (Matsuda et al 2012, p. 407).

This study is crucial to our understanding of the debility of MS, and what suffers endure on a daily basis. MS commonly strikes young individuals between the ages of 20-40 (“Multiple sclerosis”). This is commonly a point in life where people are busy with their families and profession. A disease such as MS could limit the daily functioning of some, leaving them unable to continue a normal life. Experiencing a fall could seriously harm these individuals, and place them at further risk of additional falls. Therefore, obtaining knowledge on this subject could lead to preventative measures that may allow people to maintain their lifestyles for longer. In addition to enhancing the quality of life for these individuals, there is potential to reduce [healthcare] cost of the disease.

Since the data was acquired through self-reporting, it may not be the most reliable. It’s unlikely that everyone who experiences falls will report this, as they may fear a loss of their independence. On the...