Experiences of Living With the Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Photovoice Study

Abstract Background Nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) are frequently experienced by people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and are often perceived as their most bothersome symptoms. However, these remain poorly understood with suboptimal clinical management. These unmet needs are an important determinant...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Laura J. Smith, Jerri Callis, Shannon Bridger‐Smart, Olivia Guilfoyle
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-06-01
Series:Health Expectations
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.14124
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1849329117767401472
author Laura J. Smith
Jerri Callis
Shannon Bridger‐Smart
Olivia Guilfoyle
author_facet Laura J. Smith
Jerri Callis
Shannon Bridger‐Smart
Olivia Guilfoyle
author_sort Laura J. Smith
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) are frequently experienced by people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and are often perceived as their most bothersome symptoms. However, these remain poorly understood with suboptimal clinical management. These unmet needs are an important determinant of health‐related quality of life (QoL) in PD. Objective The aim of this study was to gain insights into the experience of living with the NMS of PD in real‐time using participatory action methodology. Method Using the photovoice method, 14 people with PD took photographs to document their experiences of living with the NMS of PD. They composed corresponding written narratives to capture the impact of NMS on their daily activities and QoL. In total, 152 photographs and corresponding narratives were analysed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Results Four interrelated themes were identified. Emotional well‐being and sense of self encompassed a process of adjustment to living with PD. Engaging in valued activities, adopting a positive mindset and utilising coping strategies were thought to enhance confidence and self‐esteem. Social support and societal awareness highlighted the importance of supportive relationships and socialising to aid participation and avoid isolation. Barriers to social engagement included the unpredictability of NMS and nonvisible NMS being neglected or misunderstood. Conclusion Findings demonstrated the far‐reaching impact of nonmotor aspects of PD on emotional, occupational and social dimensions. These needs could be addressed through person‐centred and comprehensive approaches to care. Patient or Public Contribution This study utilised a participatory research approach allowing participants to choose the subjects that mattered to them and how to present their results. Additionally, a group workshop was held with people with PD, their family members and healthcare professionals to guide theme development.
format Article
id doaj-art-aec49c0ed6514e9faf66e504460fe2fd
institution Kabale University
issn 1369-6513
1369-7625
language English
publishDate 2024-06-01
publisher Wiley
record_format Article
series Health Expectations
spelling doaj-art-aec49c0ed6514e9faf66e504460fe2fd2025-08-20T03:47:21ZengWileyHealth Expectations1369-65131369-76252024-06-01273n/an/a10.1111/hex.14124Experiences of Living With the Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Photovoice StudyLaura J. Smith0Jerri Callis1Shannon Bridger‐Smart2Olivia Guilfoyle3Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health Queen Mary University of London London UKSchool of Psychology, Keynes College University of Kent Canterbury UKSchool of Psychology, Keynes College University of Kent Canterbury UKSchool of Psychology, Keynes College University of Kent Canterbury UKAbstract Background Nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) are frequently experienced by people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and are often perceived as their most bothersome symptoms. However, these remain poorly understood with suboptimal clinical management. These unmet needs are an important determinant of health‐related quality of life (QoL) in PD. Objective The aim of this study was to gain insights into the experience of living with the NMS of PD in real‐time using participatory action methodology. Method Using the photovoice method, 14 people with PD took photographs to document their experiences of living with the NMS of PD. They composed corresponding written narratives to capture the impact of NMS on their daily activities and QoL. In total, 152 photographs and corresponding narratives were analysed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Results Four interrelated themes were identified. Emotional well‐being and sense of self encompassed a process of adjustment to living with PD. Engaging in valued activities, adopting a positive mindset and utilising coping strategies were thought to enhance confidence and self‐esteem. Social support and societal awareness highlighted the importance of supportive relationships and socialising to aid participation and avoid isolation. Barriers to social engagement included the unpredictability of NMS and nonvisible NMS being neglected or misunderstood. Conclusion Findings demonstrated the far‐reaching impact of nonmotor aspects of PD on emotional, occupational and social dimensions. These needs could be addressed through person‐centred and comprehensive approaches to care. Patient or Public Contribution This study utilised a participatory research approach allowing participants to choose the subjects that mattered to them and how to present their results. Additionally, a group workshop was held with people with PD, their family members and healthcare professionals to guide theme development.https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.14124activities of daily livingnonmotor symptomsParkinson's diseaseparticipatory actionphotovoicequality of life
spellingShingle Laura J. Smith
Jerri Callis
Shannon Bridger‐Smart
Olivia Guilfoyle
Experiences of Living With the Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Photovoice Study
Health Expectations
activities of daily living
nonmotor symptoms
Parkinson's disease
participatory action
photovoice
quality of life
title Experiences of Living With the Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Photovoice Study
title_full Experiences of Living With the Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Photovoice Study
title_fullStr Experiences of Living With the Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Photovoice Study
title_full_unstemmed Experiences of Living With the Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Photovoice Study
title_short Experiences of Living With the Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Photovoice Study
title_sort experiences of living with the nonmotor symptoms of parkinson s disease a photovoice study
topic activities of daily living
nonmotor symptoms
Parkinson's disease
participatory action
photovoice
quality of life
url https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.14124
work_keys_str_mv AT laurajsmith experiencesoflivingwiththenonmotorsymptomsofparkinsonsdiseaseaphotovoicestudy
AT jerricallis experiencesoflivingwiththenonmotorsymptomsofparkinsonsdiseaseaphotovoicestudy
AT shannonbridgersmart experiencesoflivingwiththenonmotorsymptomsofparkinsonsdiseaseaphotovoicestudy
AT oliviaguilfoyle experiencesoflivingwiththenonmotorsymptomsofparkinsonsdiseaseaphotovoicestudy