The experiences of individuals with multiple sclerosis in the Western Cape, South Africa
Date
2014-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating and degenerative lifelong neurological
disease that seems to be growing increasingly more prevalent in South Africa.
Objectives: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the personal experiences
of individuals with MS in the South African context. The focus of this study was on the
challenges faced by individuals with MS, as well as the resources that help them to cope with
this debilitating, neurological condition.
Method: Thematic analysis was used to explore the semi-structured interviews that were
conducted with ten individuals with MS.
Results: Several themes emerged that related to the participants’ experiences of living with
MS. These themes included several challenges faced by the participants on a daily basis,
such as the process of being diagnosed, daily life, invisible illness and medical aid schemes.
Numerous resources that help these individuals to cope with MS also emerged from the data
analysis and consisted of social support, mobility aids, religion and knowledge about MS.
Conclusion: It is evident from the findings of this study that although individuals living with
MS, which is a debilitating neurological condition, face several challenges on a daily basis,
they often have several resources that help them to cope effectively with this condition. The
findings of this study regarding knowledge of the challenges faced and the resources utilised
by individuals with MS will hopefully create awareness of the disease and contribute to and
inform the design and implementation of interventions for such individuals.
Description
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://www.hsag.co.za/index.php/HSAG/article/view/756
Please cite as follows:
Pretorius, C. & Joubert, N. 2014. The experiences of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis in the Western Cape, South Africa. Health SA Gesondheid, 19(1), doi:10.4102/hsag.v19i1.756.
The original publication is available at http://www.hsag.co.za/index.php/HSAG/article/view/756
Please cite as follows:
Pretorius, C. & Joubert, N. 2014. The experiences of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis in the Western Cape, South Africa. Health SA Gesondheid, 19(1), doi:10.4102/hsag.v19i1.756.
Keywords
Multiple sclerosis, Multiple sclerosis -- Patients -- South Africa -- Western Cape
Citation
Pretorius, C. & Joubert, N. 2014. The experiences of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis in the Western Cape, South Africa. Health SA Gesondheid, 19(1), doi:10.4102/hsag.v19i1.756.