Effect of a transactional model education program on coping effectiveness in women with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disease that causes stress due to its unpredictability and lack of definitive treatments. This study examined the effects of an educational program using a transactional model to help women with MS cope with their disease. Materials and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 80 female patients from the MS Society of Iran were randomized to the intervention (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). Outcomes were assessed using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS), which were completed by both groups at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The intervention consisted of six educational sessions administered over 2 months based on a transactional model. The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Average PSS scores decreased significantly over time in the intervention group, while increasing in the control group. Between-group differences were significant at both 1-month and 3-month follow-up (p