Relationships Between Perceived Stigma and Coping Strategies in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often experience varying levels of social stigma, which can impact their health. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between perceived stigma and coping strategies among MS patients. Methods: Conducted from December 2019 to June 2020, this cross-sectional and correlational study involved 100 MS patients. Participants were recruited from a neurologic clinic in Qazvin, Iran, using convenience sampling. Data collection employed the Lazarus Coping Strategies Questionnaire and the Korean version of the Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness 8-item (SSCI-8). Patients completed these questionnaires at the clinic. Data analysis utilized Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Results: The average age of participants was 35.93 ± 7.20 years. Mean scores for internal and external stigmas were 6.47 ± 2.03 and 8.73 ± 3.48, respectively. Problem-focused strategies were most commonly used by MS patients. Pearson correlations revealed a significant positive relationship between internal stigma and escape-avoidance (r = 0.391, P 0.000), seeking social support (r = 0.215, P = 0.031), confronting (r = 0.240, P = 0.016), and self-controlling strategies (r = 0.222, P = 0.026). Significant associations were also noted between external stigma and escape avoidance (r = 0.322, P = 0.001) and confronting strategies (r = 0.240, P = 0.016). Inverse correlations were found between educational level and internal stigma (r = -0.273, P = 0.006) and between MS duration and external stigma (r = -0.296, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experiencing higher levels of stigma tended to use more negative coping strategies. Implementing programs to reduce stigma and promote effective coping strategies may enhance the physical and psychological well-being of these patients.