The Adaptation Process in Family Caregivers of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Today family members are providing care and support to each other during times of illness. Especially in chronic diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, the families are more involved of caring and support from their patients, so they would endure a great suffering and encountered with many problems. Therefore, they use several coping strategy in order to deal with this situation. The purpose of this study was to explanation the process of adaptation in family caregivers of patient with multiple sclerosis in Iran. Methods: This study was conducted through a qualitative approach based on grounded theory. Eighteen family caregivers of patient with multiple sclerosis participated in the study. A purposive sampling method was used. Data were collected through semi-structured and in-depth interviews conducted in multiple sclerosis society and hospitals of Tabriz in Iran. A total of 22 interviews were performed with participants. Data were analyzed based on Corbin and Strauss (2008) method and by using the MAXQDA software ver.10. Results: Different illness, tension due to illness and family concerns was main concepts of contextual factors that influences on adaptation process in family caregivers of patients. "Tensions due to illness of family member" was the participant's main concern. The main strategies that experienced by families in order to decrease their tension were: spirituality, living with hope, persistence and stability, seeking support, seeking alternative treatments, battle against disease problems, forbearance with disease, normalization ,and optimal care. The study outcomes were including adaptation and maladaptation. "Detente toward return to normal life", was the core category that connected all of the categories. Conclusion: The results of this study can help families to cope against Multiple Sclerosis and its problems more effectively. Health system managers and professionals by using these results are able to support patients and their families appropriately in order to improve their quality of life and alleviate the suffering and complications of disease.