Impact of Psychoeducation on Psychological Distress and Sleep Quality among Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Survivors

Abstract Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare neurological disorder of central nervous system characterised by affected optic nerves and spinal cord. The literature revealed various psychosocial issues associated with NMOSD. However, very minimal psychoeducational interventions were identified to reduce the psychological distress and improve the sleep quality among NMOSD survivors. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate and to understand the impact of psychoeducational intervention on NMOSD survivors to reduce the psychological distress and to improve the sleep quality in inpatient rehabilitation setting. Methodology: Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were administered to measure the presence of distress and sleep quality in the selected sample. A total of ( n = 30) samples were recruited using convenience sampling in the inpatient rehabilitation centre. Pre-designed psychoeducational interventions were subsequently provided to all the recruited participants. Results: The study findings showed that ( n = 22) female and ( n = 8) male NMOSD survivors had participated in the study. Findings of the present study indicated that all recruited participants ( n = 30) had poor knowledge about illness, financial constraints, reduced social support, psychological distress and reduced sleep quality. Further, the systematic pre-designed psychoeducational interventions provided to NMOSD survivors showed significant reduction in psychological distress and improved sleep quality in post-assessment compared to baseline assessment. Conclusion: According to results of the present study, the systematic psychoeducational interventions such as psychoeducation about illness and sleep education, enhancing social support and helping in overcoming in financial constraints were beneficial to reduce psychological distress and increase sleep quality during inpatient rehabilitation care settings.