Work

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

Year: 2025

Type: article

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.

Source: Public Health Nursing

DOI: 10.1111/phn.70012

Authors: Seher Çakmak, Sevda Uzun, Sevgi Demir Çam

Institutions: Gümüşhane University, Artvin Coruh University

Language: English

Topic: Sexual function and dysfunction studies

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,570