Social Barriers Faced by Women with Multiple Sclerosis in Tehran: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant neurological disease primarily affecting young adults. The prevalence of this disease in women is about two to three times higher than in men. This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by women with MS using qualitative content analysis (QCA). Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a content analysis approach. A total of 23 patients with MS who visited the Iran MS Society were selected to participate in the study using a purposive sampling method until data saturation was reached. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using QCA. Results: The social barriers identified as the main issues faced by patients with MS comprised nine subcategories including insufficient financial support, lack of job opportunities, employers’ inadequate information about the specific conditions of MS patients, loss of educational opportunities, decreased social cohesion and responsibility, lack of environmental adaptation appropriate for MS patients, social stigma, lack of public awareness about MS, and deficiencies in the public transport system. Conclusion: It is essential to enhance social support for patients with MS by raising public awareness, improving public transportation systems, and developing empathy among family members and the community.