Exploring COVID-19 experiences for persons with multiple sclerosis and carers: An Australian qualitative study

Helen Correia; Pamela Martin-Lynch; Marcia Finlayson; Yvonne C Learmonth

doi:10.1111/hex.13704

Exploring COVID-19 experiences for persons with multiple sclerosis and carers: An Australian qualitative study

Health Expect. 2023 Apr;26(2):785-794. doi: 10.1111/hex.13704. Epub 2023 Jan 13.

Authors

Helen Correia^{1

2}, Pamela Martin-Lynch¹, Marcia Finlayson³, Yvonne C Learmonth^{4

5

6}

Affiliations

¹ College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.
² Psychological Sciences, Australian College of Applied Professions, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
³ School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
⁴ Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, and Centre for Healthy Aging, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.
⁵ Discipline of Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.
⁶ Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities around the world. In this study, we explored the COVID-19 experiences of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and carers.

Methods: Using a qualitative approach, interviews were undertaken with 27 participants residing in Australia (10 persons with MS, 10 carers and 7 MS service providers). Demographic and background data were also collected. Interviews were analysed using an inductive iterative thematic analysis.

Results: Across all groups, participants consistently recognized pandemic challenges and impacts for persons with MS and carers, especially due to disruption to routines and services. Emotional and mental health impacts were also highlighted, as anxiety, fear of contracting COVID-19 and stress, including relationship stress between persons with MS and carers and family members. Some persons with MS also mentioned physical health impacts, while for carers, the challenge of disruptions included increased demands and reduced resources. In addition to acknowledging challenges, persons with MS and carers also gave examples of resilience. This included coping and adapting by finding new routines and creating space through rest and breaks and through appreciating positives including the benefits of access to telehealth.

Conclusion: Additional support is required for persons with MS and carers in navigating the impacts of COVID-19 as the pandemic progresses. In addition to addressing challenges and disruptions, such support should also acknowledge and support the resilience of people with MS and carers and enhance resilience through supporting strategies for coping and adaptation.

Patient and public contribution: Service user stakeholders were consulted at the beginning and end of the study. They provided feedback on interview questions and participant engagement, as well as service user perspectives on the themes identified in the current study. Participants were provided with summaries of key themes identified and invited to provide comments.

Keywords: COVID-19; carers; multiple sclerosis; qualitative; resilience; stress.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Australia
COVID-19*
Caregivers / psychology
Humans
Multiple Sclerosis*
Pandemics