Functioning and disability in multiple sclerosis from the patient perspective

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a great impact on functioning and
disability. The perspective of those who experience the health
problem has to be taken into account to obtain an in-depth
understanding of functioning and disability. The objective was to
describe the areas of functioning and disability and relevant
contextual factors in MS from the patient perspective. A
qualitative study using focus group methodology was performed. The
sample size was determined by saturation. The focus groups were
digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. The meaning
condensation procedure was used for data analysis. Identified
concepts were linked to International Classification of
Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories according to
established linking rules. Six focus groups with a total of 27
participants were performed. In total, 1327 concepts were
identified and linked to 106 ICF categories of the ICF components
Body Functions, Activities and Participation and Environmental
Factors. This qualitative study reports on the impact of MS on
functioning and disability from the patient perspective. The
participants in this study provided information about all physical
aspects and areas of daily life affected by the disease, as well as
the environmental factors influencing their lives.