Exploring the Psychological Antecedent Factors of the Transition to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

One of the mos t common concerns of patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS) is to delay the beginning of the secondary progressive phase. Psychological factors play a role in the exacerbation or recurrence of symptoms of the disease. The current s tudy aimed to explore the psychological antecedent factors of the transition to secondary progressive MS. Materials and Methods:In this qualitative s tudy, 13 participants who were suffering from secondary progressive MS selected by the convenience sampling method in Sina hospital, Tehran, Iran. The current s tudy was conducted based on a thematic analysis approach. Data were collected using a semi-s tructured interview. Results: The main theme, "Fundamental Mechanisms", which were included two sub-themes, "Core Beliefs" and "Personality Traits" and 10 concepts. Fundamental mechanisms are an abs tract concept and this theme can bring the categories together to explain the whole results. Core beliefs sub-theme was included believe in being worthless and unlovable, believe in chance and fate, believe in a dangerous world, believe in being helpless, and self-sacrifice schema. Besides, the personality traits sub-theme was included self-devaluation, dependent personality, narcissis tic personality, impulsivity, and intolerance of ambiguity. Conclusion: Outcomes revealed antecedent factors of the transition to secondary progressive MS is based on core beliefs. Furthermore, personality traits are complex, inclusive, and multi-dimensional factors.

Impact of Self Care Management Program on Improving Self Efficacy of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

“…Additionally, a selfmanagement programme encourages patients to take an active role in managing variables that impact their health, keeping track of their symptoms, and taking the proper actions to manage the intricacies of their condition. Self-management programmes have been effective in treating a variety of chronic conditions, and they have improved patients' health status while also assisting doctors in controlling pain, easing depressed symptoms, and acting quickly (5) .…”

A Smartphone-based Application for Self-Management in Multiple Sclerosis

“…It is also the most common debilitating neurological disorder in adults. Not only MS is regarded as a serious health problem but also its economic burden in terms of the costs associated with the patient care and treatments as well as patients' reduced economic activities have received more attention in the past years [1][2][3].…”