The use of focus groups to characterize symptoms in persons with multiple sclerosis

J Neurosci Nurs. 2012 Dec;44(6):351-7. doi: 10.1097/JNN.0b013e318268308b.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease with a myriad of symptoms. Because most work has been quantitative, it is important to capture symptoms as described by patients who experience them, using a qualitative approach. The purpose of our study was to describe and identify symptoms, with emphasis on co-occurrence, using focus groups. Three focus groups were conducted (N = 16) with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Common symptoms, described as both singular and co-occurring, were problems with balance, cognition, vision, and heat intolerance. These findings augment past characterizations of symptoms experienced in persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and provide evidence for future studies.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cognition Disorders* / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders* / nursing
  • Cognition Disorders* / physiopathology
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Disease Progression
  • Fatigue* / etiology
  • Fatigue* / nursing
  • Fatigue* / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Fever* / etiology
  • Fever* / nursing
  • Fever* / physiopathology
  • Focus Groups / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting* / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting* / nursing
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting* / physiopathology
  • Young Adult