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Experiences of partners of people in the early stages of multiple sclerosis

Experiences of partners of people in the early stages of multiple sclerosis
Experiences of partners of people in the early stages of multiple sclerosis
Background Partners of people with multiple sclerosis are known to experience a heavy physical and psychological burden. However, little research has explored, in detail, the partners’ experience in the first years after diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of partners of people who are in the relatively early stages of multiple sclerosis.
Methods Fifteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to assess partners’ concerns and difficulties. Data were audio-taped, transcribed, and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis.
Results Key themes were being unsure of what the future might hold and feeling helpless and out of control. Furthermore, partners reported that other people could not understand and support them, which led to a feeling of social isolation.Conclusion The research illustrates the disruptive impact that MS has on partners’ lives and highlights the need for support to focus on partners’ needs even in early stages of the disease.
1352-4585
876-884
Bogosian, A.
b09fb90a-3a98-42ca-a4d1-64637866e3ff
Moss-Morris, R.
a502f58a-d319-49a6-8aea-9dde4efc871e
Yardley, L.
64be42c4-511d-484d-abaa-f8813452a22e
Dennison, L.
15c399cb-9a81-4948-8906-21944c033c20
Bogosian, A.
b09fb90a-3a98-42ca-a4d1-64637866e3ff
Moss-Morris, R.
a502f58a-d319-49a6-8aea-9dde4efc871e
Yardley, L.
64be42c4-511d-484d-abaa-f8813452a22e
Dennison, L.
15c399cb-9a81-4948-8906-21944c033c20

Bogosian, A., Moss-Morris, R., Yardley, L. and Dennison, L. (2009) Experiences of partners of people in the early stages of multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 15 (7), 876-884. (doi:10.1177/1352458508100048).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Background Partners of people with multiple sclerosis are known to experience a heavy physical and psychological burden. However, little research has explored, in detail, the partners’ experience in the first years after diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of partners of people who are in the relatively early stages of multiple sclerosis.
Methods Fifteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to assess partners’ concerns and difficulties. Data were audio-taped, transcribed, and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis.
Results Key themes were being unsure of what the future might hold and feeling helpless and out of control. Furthermore, partners reported that other people could not understand and support them, which led to a feeling of social isolation.Conclusion The research illustrates the disruptive impact that MS has on partners’ lives and highlights the need for support to focus on partners’ needs even in early stages of the disease.

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Published date: 2009

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 66750
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/66750
ISSN: 1352-4585
PURE UUID: 82e717e8-fdf4-4a9f-b316-df8ceab59d1e
ORCID for L. Yardley: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-3853-883X
ORCID for L. Dennison: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-0122-6610

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Date deposited: 15 Jul 2009
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 02:52

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Contributors

Author: A. Bogosian
Author: R. Moss-Morris
Author: L. Yardley ORCID iD
Author: L. Dennison ORCID iD

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