Explaining Safety-Related Challenges and Injury Risk in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study Using Thematic Analysis
Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention),
Vol. 13 No. 3 (1404),
28 July 2026
,
Page 22-33
https://doi.org/10.22037/iipm.v13i3.52549
Abstract
Background and Aim: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at increased risk of injury due to motor, cognitive, and psychological impairments and treatment-related challenges. This study aimed to explore, from patients' perspectives, the challenges affecting safety and injury risk in patients with MS.
Methods: This qualitative study employed a thematic analysis approach among patients with MS aged 18–65 years attending healthcare centers in Ardabil, Iran. Purposive sampling continued until data saturation was achieved after 11 interviews. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA software. Ethical principles, including informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity, were observed.
Results: Analysis of the interview data revealed that the lived experience of patients with MS is multidimensional and complex. During open coding, 34 meaning units were identified and grouped into six main categories. The largest proportion of codes related to psychological–emotional challenges (9 codes), physical–motor challenges (8 codes), treatment and access to healthcare services (7 codes), interpersonal relationships and social issues (6 codes), and financial problems (2 codes). During axial coding, the findings were organized into six major themes: financial problems, physical–motor problems, emotional challenges, interpersonal relationship challenges, community-related challenges, and protective measures for treatment. These challenges were associated with an increased risk of falls, limitations in self-care, reduced treatment adherence, impaired daily functioning, and decreased patient safety, indicating that MS is not merely a neurological disorder but a biopsychosocial and economic condition that increases the risk of injury.
Conclusion: MS poses psychological, physical, social, and treatment-related challenges that compromise patient safety. Improving safety requires a comprehensive approach, including psychosocial support, rehabilitation, self-care education, improved access to healthcare services, and fall and injury prevention.
- Multiple sclerosis
- Patient safety
- Injury prevention
- Fall risk
- Thematic analysis
- Qualitative research
How to Cite
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