Living with Parkinson’s disease: A Jordanian perspective

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) has a major impact on mobility, as well as cognition which can consequently impair aspects of individual’s lives. Many studies have examined the living experiences of individuals with PD and its impact on their daily lives. None of these studies have explored the life experiences of Jordanian individuals living with PD. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the daily living experiences and impact on lives of Jordanian individuals with PD.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was used. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Experiences of 8 Jordanian individuals with PD who participated in this study can be categorized in the following major themes: (1) challenging perspectives and (2) adaptations. Challenging perspectives included stigma, emotional drainer, and experience of decreased independence and difficulty in occupational performance. Adaptations included embracing early acceptance and intervention, spiritual experience, and family support.

Conclusions: Study provided a wealth of knowledge related to the effect of PD and its intersection with the Arabic Jordanian culture. Such knowledge should aid healthcare professionals involved with providing services to Jordanian individuals with PD to provide better holistic services.

Keywords:

• Adaptation
• Jordan
• lived experiences
• rehabilitation

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge all of the participants of the study. Also, authors would like to acknowledge the Scientific Research Support Fund [grant No. 383/2014] from the Deanship of Scientific Research at the Jordan University of Science and Technology for funding this project.

Disclosure statement

All authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.