Date Presented 3/31/2017
This study explored the lived experiences of Jordanian persons with Parkinson’s disease, both challenges and adaptations. Some of these challenges and adaptations are rooted within the Jordanian Arabic and Islamic culture. It is highly recommended that therapists be aware of these cultural issues.
Primary Author and Speaker: Mohammad Nazzal
Additional Authors and Speakers: Hanan Khalil
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Parkinson’s disease (PD) has a major impact on mobility and cognition that can consequently impair aspects of individuals’ lives. Many studies have examined the lived 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. This qualitative study aims to describe the daily living experiences and impact on the lives of Jordanian patients with Parkinson’s disease.
DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological design was used. Participants were eight individuals with PD seeking routine medical care from two major hospitals in northern Jordan. Interviews using a semistructured interview guide were conducted and audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded line by line into relevant categories. Thematic phenomenological analysis was used to extract main themes and subthemes, and domain analysis was used to understand certain cultural terms and language symbols.
RESULTS: The experiences of the eight Jordanian PD patients who participated in this study can be categorized in two major themes: (1) challenging perspectives and (2) adaptations. Challenging perspectives included stigma, emotional drain, and perception of decreased independence and difficulty performing a wide range of activities. Adaptations included embrace of early acceptance and intervention, spiritual experience, and family support.
DISCUSSION: Jordanian individuals with PD face huge challenges that affect their daily performance of occupations and their overall quality of life. Many of these challenges are rooted within the culture itself. Emphasis must be placed on possible adaptation strategies that promote early acceptance of the disease and early management. Health care professionals caring for these individuals need to promote awareness and knowledge of the disease among these individuals and their families.
CONCLUSION: This study provided a wealth of knowledge related to the effect of PD and its intersection with Arabic Jordanian culture. Such knowledge should aid health care professionals involved with providing services to Jordanian PD patients in providing better holistic services. Therapists working with individuals with PD need to work on increasing the engagement and positive experiences of individuals with PD and their caregivers.
References
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Domingos, J., Coelho, M., & Ferreira, J. J. (2013). Referral to rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease: Who, when and to what end? Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, 71, 967–972. https://doi.org/10.1590/0004-282X20130209
Foster, E. R., Bedekar, M., & Tickle-Degnen, L. (2014). Systematic review of the effectiveness of occupational therapy–related interventions for people with Parkinson’s disease. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 39–49. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008706
