Abstract
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) has a significant impact on patients' psychological, social, and functional well-being; yet, few studies have examined how people with PD actually experience it in low- and middle-income nations.
Objective: This study offers the first comprehensive investigation of how Iraqi patients perceive and handle PD in the context of their culture and healthcare system.
Method: A qualitative, exploratory design was utilized in this study with semi-structured interviews conducted with 18 patients diagnosed with idiopathic PD, recruited from two hospitals and two private specialized neurology clinics in Baghdad, Iraq. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim; thematic analysis was conducted following Braun and Clark’s six-step approach.
Results: Our findings revealed four primary themes: psychological burden of PD, Obstacles to optimal living, Unmet needs and support systems, and lastly, coping narratives. Patients reported erosion in confidence, social disengagement, reduction in autonomy, and productivity due to functional disability. Significant gaps in institutional and governmental support, especially insufficient access to reasonably priced pharmaceuticals and specialist services, were also conveyed by patients, who highlighted the importance of family support.
Conclusion: Living with PD in Iraq is influenced by complex systemic, psychological, and financial issues that are further impeded by a fragmented healthcare system. This study adds to the global understanding of patient perspectives in contexts with inadequate resources by offering context-specific insights regarding PD experiences in Iraq.
| Intend to be published in the IJPS ? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Has the manuscript been published | not published |
