How do women suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity experience the medical encounter? a qualitative study in Spain

Abstract

Purpose

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a condition principally suffered by women. As with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is usually included among the so called “contested illnesses”, defined as illnesses whose cause, diagnosis, prevalence and even existence are subject to controversy. This article seeks to explore how women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity experience this contested illness, through their own descriptions of diagnostic processes, search for treatment and encounters with different health professionals. We aim to observe these experiences in detail and to identify aspects that could improve care for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity sufferers.

Method

Qualitative design. We performed personal in-depth interviews, which were recorded and transcribed to conduct a qualitative content analysis supported by Atlas.ti-7.

Subjects/Patients

22 women diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Spain.

Results

Two main categories were identified in the interviews: (1) unavoidable barriers: patients’ exposure to chemicals and the absence of treatment, and (2) Skepticism on the part of care providers and lack of recognition in the process of diagnosis.

Conclusion

Training and above all awareness raising strategies are needed to address health professionals’ prejudices regarding the existence of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. These prejudices hinder diagnosis and medical follow-up, and add negative emotions to the physical limitations already suffered by patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

• It is important to promote a compassionate and empathetic attitude among health providers, in order to avoid rejection and delegitimization of the experiences of women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity protocols should be developed and implemented to give skills to health professionals to assist patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

• These protocols should include avoidance of exposure to chemicals present in healthcare facilities.

• Training programs for health providers should include not only knowledge, but awareness raising about the characteristics and severity of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

• Health providers should avoid stigmatizing patients by psychologizing their symptoms and be aware of the existence of stereotypes regarding women suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Keywords:

• Multiple chemical sensitivity
• qualitative research
• women’s health
• contested illness
• patient-provider relationships

Acknowledgements

The authors want to express their gratitude to the participants, and to Cristina Lopez, associate professor in the Department of Sociology II of the University of Alicante, for her collaboration in the initial design of the research project and in carrying out the fieldwork.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this manuscript.