Speaker
Description
ITRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder with motor and non-motor symptoms and several psychological features has a significant impact on daily activities of patients. Our research focuses on the individual disease narratives of people with PD.
METHODS: In the present study, we aimed to assess the everyday experiences of patients with PD and their explanatory narratives related to their disease. Our main aim was to understand the process by which patients give meaning to their illness. We used a qualitative method with semi-structured interviews with a total of 6 patients having PD. The interview was based on the McGill Illness Narrative Interview (MINI) questionnaire. Responses were analyzed by two independent investigators using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
RESULTS: Two main topics emerged in the explanatory narratives of patients with PD. The first is that patients are fundamentally uncertain about why they developed the disease. Regarding this point, some patients try to find an answer (e.g., lifestyle) but do not find one, however, others who do not look for an answer. The second main point is that they link the onset to some trauma or loss.
CONCLUSION: The qualitative approach used may be suitable for a deeper exploration of the experience of illness and illness narratives of patients with PD. The emergence of common topics and explanatory narratives may provide insights into the coping processes of patients and may offer insights into meaning making and causal factors, an area that has remained unexplored in this patient group.
| Are you currently an Early Career Researcher? | Yes, I am still a student or have not yet received my Ph.D. |
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