Background & Aim: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) face numerous physical and psychological problems and use multiple strategies to manage these problems to reduce its impact on their own lives. The aim of this study is to explore the self-management strategies in people with MS.
Methods & Materials: This study is a qualitative research with content analysis approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven people with MS recruited from a rehabilitation clinic and the MS Support Community. Participants were selected through purposive sampling method. Data collection continued until data saturation. Trustworthiness criteria were considered to ensure the quality of findings. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with conventional approach.
Results: Analysis of the data ultimately led to the emergence of “attempt to maintain independence” as the main theme referring to the self-management strategies in people with MS. Selfmanagement strategies the participants used in this study were grouped into seven categories: disease acceptance, information enhancement, change of lifestyle, developing psycho-emotional balance, environmental modifications, improving financial credits, and promoting capabilities.
Conclusion: People with MS use various self-management strategies for reducing their problems. Due to the nature of the disease, the use of self-management strategies can improve their control over illness. Understanding these needs and strategies helps health providers to provide better services to people with MS.