Evaluating the Styles of Coping With Stress of Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis During the Covid - 19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS)is among the most influential environmental factors. Quarantine days during Covid-19 outbreak can cause conditions such as anxiety, isolation stress, financial and long-term economic stress, including health concerns.The descriptive study was planned and applied with the aim of examining the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic on the styles of coping with stress of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Methods: The study was carried out on 246 volunteer individuals during April2020-May2020 following the approval of the Turkey MS Association and the briefing provided to the individuals.The data were acquired via Personal Information Form and The Styles of Coping with Stress Scale. Results: The mean age of individuals with MS was 39.41 +/- 9.06 years. Statistically significant increase was found in the sub-dimensions of optimistic and helpless approach with gender, submissive approach with marital status, helpless and submissive approach with education status, helpless, submissive and seeking social support sub-dimensions with working status (p<0.0, p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that individuals with MS use the helpless approach and submissive approach most frequently in coping with stress during the Covid-19 pandemic.It was determined that those living with their families mostly use the optimistic approach and selfconfident approach.It is thought that MS associations will be effective in coping with stress in reducing symptoms and social and physical support through informative meetings, home visits, psychotherapies, yoga and organized trainings.