Physical and Psychosocial Adaptation Strategies for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Ahmed Eldesoky, Hamda; I. Hassan, Nagia; Abdelmoksoud Amer, Mona; Mahmoud Mahmoud, Heba

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2021.215908

Physical and Psychosocial Adaptation Strategies for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt

² Assistant Professor, Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt

10.21608/ejhc.2021.215908

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most serious autoimmune neurological diseases. It can restrict the patient's functional abilities, social relationship, life pattern, occupational maintenance and wellbeing. Aim: This study aims to determine the physical and psychosocial adaptation strategies used by patients with multiple sclerosis. Research design: A cross sectional descriptive design was adopted to carry out this study. Settings: The study was conducted at neuropsychiatric outpatient clinic of Al Hadara Alexandria University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 110 patients admitted to the above mentioned setting and diagnosed with multiple sclerosis was recruited in this study. Tools: Four tools were used for data collection namely: Patients' demographic characteristics and clinical data sheet, Multiple Sclerosis Patients’ Physical and Psychosocial Assessment Structured Interview Schedule, Physical Adaptation Strategies Structured Interview Schedule of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale–Self- Report (PAIS- SR). Results: The study results revealed that sensory and motor symptoms scores was the highest mean of all physical disturbances parameters. More than half of the patients had high psychological and social disturbance. Physical, psychological, social disturbance score was negatively correlated with the total physical, psychosocial adaptation strategies score. Conclusion: MS has a negative impact not only on the physical activities, but also on the psychological, social and financial aspects of life. Recommendations: The developed booklet with its simple instructions and illustrations should be utilized in hospitals as a teaching aid for patient with MS. Periodic training program should be carried out for nurses working in the MS unit about health education and rehabilitation programs.

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