Experiences of persons with Multiple Sclerosis with lifestyle adjustment-A qualitative interview study
Beteiligte Einrichtungen
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to describe and understand individual experiences of pwMS with lifestyle adjustments.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 pwMS in Germany. Criteria for inclusion were age ≥ 18 years and a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Data were analyzed inductively and deductively according to a six-step thematic analysis.
Results: The three main themes for experience-based lifestyle adjustments were: 1) nutrition and supplements, 2) exercise and physical activity, and 3) stress management. Influencing factors on the decision-making process such as active disease management, information and advice, desire for mental health and social support, and the wish for self-determination were identified. Impacts of starting or maintaining lifestyle habits included, for example, MS-specific, general, and mental health benefits, the development of coping strategies, social support, and barriers that led to a termination of lifestyle adjustments.
Conclusion: This study provides a rich and nuanced amount of experiences of pwMS with lifestyle adjustments and leads to three important conclusions: 1) Further research is warranted to better describe the perceived effects of lifestyle habits on MS symptoms and progression, in particular with regard to nutrition and stress reduction; 2) patient education in MS should include the available evidence on lifestyle management and 3) patients need to be actively supported in changing their lifestyle behavior.
Bibliografische Daten
Originalsprache | Englisch |
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Aufsatznummer | e0268988 |
ISSN | 1932-6203 |
DOIs | |
Status | Veröffentlicht - 27.05.2022 |
PubMed | 35622783 |
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