Patients' experiences of adapting to multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study

Abstract

Unpleasant, unpredictable symptoms, difficult treatment regimes, and uncertainty about the future of Multiple Sclerosis require the patients to adapt to new life changes and restrictions. This study aimed to explore patients' experiences of adapting to Multiple Sclerosis. A qualitative content analysis method was used to conduct this study. The study participants were 25 patients with Multiple Sclerosis, chosen through purposeful sampling. Data were analyzed by using content analysis. The analysis resulted in the emergence of seven themes and eighteen subthemes. The main themes were: religiosity, information seeking, seeking support, hope rearing, emotional reactions, concealing the disease, fighting the disease and disability. These themes can represent the perceived characteristics and difficulties of adaptation to Multiple Sclerosis by patients. These findings can help nurses and families to aid patients in increasing their abilities to adapt to the disease and enhance their quality of life.