Self-Management experiences in Guillain Barre syndrome patients: a phenomenological study

Abstract

Introduction: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) leads to physical and psychosocial impairments. These patients have to manage their difficult situations.

Materials and Methods: This study aimed to describe and interpret the meaning of self-management while living with GBS. In this hermeneutic phenomenological study, eleven patients with GBS were recruited. Data were collected by semi-structure interviews. The thematic analysis was used.

Results: The five themes emerging from this study are as follows: “Recognition of GBS, using coping strategies, being hopeful, relationship with God and received, and perceived social support”. The participants looked for and found information concerning the nature of their illness. They used coping strategies such as denial, striving to get back to normal life, and trying to achieve greater emotional balance”. They were optimistic for their health would return to normal, and they had hopes for future.

Conclusion: The participants used trust in God, praying, accepting their fate, and pleased with God to manage GBS. The patients were received and perceived instrumental, and emotional and financial support from their family members to manage their illness. By being aware of the essence of self-management in living with GBS, healthcare professionals are suggested to conduct interventions regarding this theme to improve self-management in GBS patients.