Abstract
Introduction: Coping with disease is of the main components improving the quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. Identifying the characteristics of this concept is based on the experiences of patients. Using qualitative research is essential to improve the quality of life. This study was conducted to explore the features of coping with the disease in patients with multiple sclerosis. Method: In this conventional content analysis study, eleven multiple sclerosis patients from Iran MS Society in Tehran (Iran) participated. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Data were gathered using semi structured interviews. To analyze data, a conventional content analysis approach was used to identify meaning units and to make codes and categories. Results: Results showed that features of coping with disease in multiple sclerosis patients consists of (a) accepting the current situation, (b) maintenance and development of human interactions, (c) self-regulation and (d) self-efficacy. Each of these categories is composed of sub-categories and codes that showed the perception and experience of patients about the coping with disease. Conclusion: Accordingly, a unique set of features regarding features of coping with the disease were identified among the patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, working to ensure the emergence of, and subsequent reinforcement of these features in MS patients can be an important step in improving the adjustment and quality of their lives.
Highlights
Coping with disease is of the main components improving the quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic debilitating disease which appears in young adults in the most productive period of their lives[1] and 85% to 90% of patients are characterized with periods of worsening and improvement.[2]
The inclusion criteria for the participants were a-having a definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis disease by a neurologist, b-having the desire to participate in the study, and chaving the ability to express experiences, d- having at least two years of experience of MS
Summary
Coping with disease is of the main components improving the quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. A conventional content analysis approach was used to identify meaning units and to make codes and categories. Results: Results showed that features of coping with disease in multiple sclerosis patients consists of (a) accepting the current situation, (b) maintenance and development of human interactions, (c) self-regulation and (d) self-efficacy. Each of these categories is composed of subcategories and codes that showed the perception and experience of patients about the coping with disease. The prognosis of this disease is uncertain and the patients experience various physical and mental disorders that strongly influence their daily performance, social and family lives, functional independence, and individual planning for the future.[6,7,8] The disease is associated with negative consequences and emotional distress such as depression which the patients need to cope with.[9]
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