Confronting the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study of patient experiences

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves complex physical and mental disabilities and often results in family, occupational, and social problems that cause difficulties in confronting the diagnosis of MS, which may delay or deny acceptance of the disease. Therefore, it is important to understand the experiences of patients in facing this disease to help and support families, communities, and healthcare teams more effectively.

Purpose: This study explores the experiences of patients in confronting their diagnosis of MS.

Methods: A qualitative content analysis method was used in this study. The study participants were 25 people with MS chosen via purposeful sampling from the MS associations in Isfahan and Tehran (Iran). Data were collected using unstructured interviews and analyzed using content analysis.

Results: The analysis resulted in the emergence of four themes and 11 subthemes. The main themes were knowledge deficit, concealing the disease, religiosity, and emotional reactions.

Conclusions/implications for practice: The findings highlight the principal means by which patients confront a diagnosis of MS and the needs and challenges involved in transiting successfully to acceptance and treatment. The authors hope the findings of this study will increase the information available to families and nurses regarding the reaction of patients to an MS diagnosis and have a positive impact on support programs designed to help patients confront and adapt to MS. Furthermore, these findings may serve to create a framework for developing related nursing care processes and establishing counseling and support programs that are sensitive to the religious, ideological, and cultural backgrounds of patients.