Occupational Challenges in the Caregivers of People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder. The progressive and unpredictable nature of MS indicates the patients’ need for long-term care as well as the increased burden of their primary caregivers’ care and occupational challenges that emerge in their daily life activities. Objectives: The current study aimed to explore the occupational challenges caused by engaging in the care process for the caregivers of people with MS Methods: This qualitative study was conducted on 21 caregivers of MS patients using a content analysis approach. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Results: Three main themes emerged: Time limitations in occupation implementation, care needs in occupation implementation, and emotional reactions affecting occupations. Conclusions: According to the results, the caregivers of people with MS were faced with a variety of occupational challenges. The time limitations for performing routine occupations and desired activities, unmet patient care-facilitating needs, and the occurrence of psychosocial reactions and behaviors were contributed to these challenges and their exacerbation. Identifying these challenges is both useful for designing interventional programs and to help caregivers to successfully perform their desired occupations in spite of challenges in the care process.