What are the participants’ perspectives of taking melatonin for the treatment of nocturia in Multiple Sclerosis? A qualitative study embedded within a double-blind RCT
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder caused by neurodegeneration within the central nervous system. It results in impaired physical, cognitive and psychological functioning and can also lead to lower urinary tract symptoms including nocturia. While clinical trials have suggested an association between nocturia and melatonin secretion, to our knowledge, no qualitative research has been conducted on the experience of taking melatonin to treat nocturia in progressive MS within a clinical trial. Methods: 17 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted as part of a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled, crossover, clinical trial with consenting adults with MS. Interviews explored participants’ experiences of nocturia associated with MS and their experience of taking melatonin as a trial treatment for nocturia versus a placebo. Data was analysed using a thematic analysis. Results: Themes on the experience of nocturia revealed participants’ understandings of nocturia, the impact it had on their night and increased daily fatigue. Themes on the intervention showed perceived improvements to nocturia, sleep and energy and negative effects including lethargy, a lack of significant change and physical side effects including vivid dreams.Conclusion: This qualitative exploration revealed an association between nocturia and increased levels of fatigue during the day by those with MS. However, perspectives towards the effectiveness of melatonin as a potential treatment varied as both placebo and melatonin were perceived as having very similar effects.
Date Issued
2018
Date Acceptance
2018-09-16
Citation
Multiple Sclerosis International, 2018, 2018, pp.1-9
ISSN
2090-2654
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Start Page
1
End Page
9
Journal / Book Title
Multiple Sclerosis International
Volume
2018
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2018 Rafyah Khan et al. Tis is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/msi/2018/4721505/
Notes
keywords: Fatigue, Nocturia, Melatonin, Multiple sclerosis
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
4721505
Date Publish Online
2018-10-18