Disease Burden and Sexual Life in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This study aims to examine the burden of disease experienced by multiple sclerosis patients and to deeply examine the impact of the disease on sexual life. A phenomenological research design was used in this study. This qualitative research was conducted with 20 multiple sclerosis patients. Interviews were conducted individually and face-to-face. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method. Two main themes (effects of the disease and sexual life) and five sub-themes (physical effects, mental effects, social effects, problems related to sexual life, sexual issues, and coping) were identified in the analysis of the data. As a result of the study, it was determined that the patients experienced serious physical, mental, and social problems due to multiple sclerosis, and their sexual lives were also negatively affected. Individuals experience significant issues related to their sexual life due to multiple sclerosis. Since multiple sclerosis is a multifaceted disease, it is thought that professional evaluation of sexuality in patients, diagnosis of sexual dysfunctions, and taking timely measures are of great importance to improve the quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients.