Phenomenological Study of Family and Social Relationships of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background and purpose: The present study is aimed at obtaining the experiences of Multiple Sclerosis patients regarding the impacts of the disease on their family and social relationships and also on medical interventions. The perception of nurses on these experiences is important in care plans. Materials and methods: This is a qualitative phenomenological research. Amongst the patients referred to Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Society, 14 were chosen according to the purpose of study. The data was collected by in-depth interviews and Colaizzi method was used to interpret the data. Results: The results can be categorized in four groups: 1- cluttered family relationships, 2- changes in social relationships, 3- work interrupted, 4- inability to meet costs of living. Conclusion: Most participants stated that physical disorders resulting from the disease led to inability in doing their profession and consequently losing their job. Furthermore, inability to provide cost of living in some cases led to disturbance in the family and social relationships. Key words: Multiple sclerosis, family relations, nursing

Multiple sclerosis, family relations, nursing