Mid-Pandemic Health Care Access, Coping, and Self-Management of People With Multiple Sclerosis

People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) participate in regimented disease self-management and treatment. Midway through the COVID-19 pandemic (mid-pandemic; July–September 2020), health care disruptions were sustained. Learning how PwMS coped with sustained disruptions and adapted self-management is important for preparing for future public health crises. The aims were to describe PwMS during the mid-pandemic in two major areas: 1) their health care challenges and 2) their coping responses and self-management strategies. PwMS across the United States (N = 133) participated in a cross-sectional survey with closed-ended demographic and two open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were computed and content analysis was conducted to identify themes and compare frequencies. Major themes were health care service delivery changes (e.g., telehealth) and unimpacted/improved health care. PwMS also had trouble coping and experienced distress due to health care disruptions, social isolation, and national news. PwMS employed a variety of self-management strategies, such as COVID-19 prevention and physical activity. For rehabilitation counselors, it is crucial to customize services for PwMS, for example, assisting PwMS to find alternative health services, overcome barriers, and learn self-management strategies adapted to unique situations such as pandemics. During a public health crisis, it is important to provide tangible resources and feasible recommendations for PwMS to navigate health care delivery constraints and promote well-being.