Abstract
Introduction: Coping with disease is of the main
components improving the quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients.
Identifying the characteristics of this concept is based on the experiences of
patients. Using qualitative research is essential to improve the quality of
life. This study was conducted to explore the features of coping with the
disease in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Method: In this conventional
content analysis study, eleven multiple sclerosis patients from Iran MS Society
in Tehran (Iran) participated. Purposive sampling was used to select
participants. Data were gathered using semi structured interviews. To analyze
data, a conventional content analysis approach was used to identify meaning
units and to make codes and categories.
Results: Results showed that features
of coping with disease in multiple sclerosis patients consists of (a) accepting
the current situation, (b) maintenance and development of human interactions,
(c) self-regulation and (d) self-efficacy. Each of these categories is composed
of sub-categories and codes that showed the perception and experience of
patients about the coping with disease.
Conclusion: Accordingly, a unique set of features regarding
features of coping with the disease were identified among the patients with
multiple sclerosis. Therefore, working to ensure the emergence of, and
subsequent reinforcement of these features in MS patients can be an important
step in improving the adjustment and quality of their lives.