What are the personal and health care experiences of women with MS?

Dawson, L

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition with current statistics highlighting
that, worldwide, women predominantly experience its impact at a rate of 4:1 (Jelinek,
2010). There are currently no medical cures for the illness and people can become
extremely physically disabled (Kalb, 2005). This research explores the lived
experiences of women who have a diagnosis of MS and the primary data in this
research were collected during semi-structured interviews with 16 of them aged
between 21 to 71 years old. The research methodology chosen draws on feminist
influences for the framework of the research design whilst also being influenced by
narrative perspectives of data collection methods and analysis. The research is
described as being a qualitative feminist narrative study. As someone who has a
diagnosis of MS this thesis also draws on my own self-ethnography and experiential
knowledge. The data were analysed using thematic and narrative analysis. The
findings highlighted that the presentation of MS symptoms to GPs were not initially
recognised and that a process of mis diagnosis occurred in the majority of cases for a
significant period of time with up to 27 years being reported in this study. Further
findings indicated that the women in this study were not all provided with choices,
options and relevant information in relation to MS. The detailed narratives from the
women about their experiences with MS highlighted a journey of personal
development and insight into living and adjusting to the symptoms of a chronic
illness. The women also offer their own interpretations about the onset of their MS
symptoms.

Citation

Dawson, L. What are the personal and health care experiences of women with MS?. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 30, 2021
• Award Date: Apr 1, 2012