understanding multiple sclerosis: family and patient perception on diagnosis and facing disease
International Journal of Development Research
understanding multiple sclerosis: family and patient perception on diagnosis and facing disease
Received 17th January, 2018, Received in revised form, 19th February, 2018, Accepted 26th March, 2018, Published online 30th April, 2018
Copyright © 2018, Maria do Carmo Andrade Duarte de Farias et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a stigmatizing and degenerative disease that impacts on the organic and emotional functioning of those affected. Objectives: To evaluate the experiences and expectations of patients and caregivers in MS coping, to identify the impact profile in caregivers and patients with MS. Method: Exploratory research with a qualitative approach. The sample was comprehensive, including all subjects with MS and their main caregivers registered in the IX Regional Health Management of Paraíba / Brazil. Interviews were conducted with structured scripts, with the bearer and the caregiver. The data were evaluated by content analysis, in its modality of thematic analysis, proposed by Bardin (2011). Results: MS follow-up needs to be extended beyond medication; being indispensable the qualified support to the family, as well as to the main caretaker, who is vulnerable to emotional illness due to work overload.
