Positive experiences associated with Ménière's disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether individuals with Ménière's disorder are able to recognize positive experiences associated with their condition.


METHODS
Open-ended questionnaire sent to a sample of members of the Finnish Ménière Federation.


METHODS
Two hundred seventy-two members of the Finnish Ménière Federation reporting a diagnosis compatible with the condition.


METHODS
Postal questionnaire.


METHODS
Number of respondents listing positive experiences related to their condition. Categories of responses listed and number of responses within the different categories.


RESULTS
One hundred eighty-one responded; 75% of respondents listed positive experiences associated with their Ménière's disorder. These were categorized into 6 themes: (1) Personal Development; (2) Leisure, Lifestyle, and General Health; (3) Managing the Disorder; (4) Ménière's Disease-specific Responses; (5) Ménière's Society-related Responses; and (6) Interrelationships with Others. The largest number of responses (85) was in the Ménière's Disease-specific Responses category and most related to a better understanding of the condition. The most common response in Interrelationships with Others was Empathy with Other Sufferers. The most beneficial with regard to the disease was the answer for Lifestyle because "they have learned to fulfill their own needs." Giving a positive answer was significantly correlated with Quality of Life.


CONCLUSIONS
Most individuals with Ménière's disorder are able to identify a number of positive experiences associated with the condition. Understanding and having knowledge of these positive experiences help the patients cope with chronic conditions such as Ménière's disorder. Promotion of positive experiences may form a key element to better adjustment to the different symptoms and provide a key element for successful peer support program.
Stephens
Dafydd
D
Department of Neurology, Ophthalmology, and Audiological Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales. stephensd@cf.ac.uk
Kentala
Erna
E
Varpa
Kirsi
K
Pyykkö
Ilmari
I
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004032:Diet; D004244:Dizziness / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology