Experiences of Multiple Sclerosis Patients about Leisure Time Activities

motor, cognitive perceptual and psychosocial abilities and can influence most performance areas. Occupational therapy sees leisure time and related activities among the most important parts of human life. This qualitative research was performed to describe the attitudes and experiences of people with MS in Ahvaz, Iran about leisure time activities.Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease that affects sensory from members of MS Association of Khuzestan province and occupational and physiotherapy clinics in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (2011). Data saturation was achieved with 11 interviews. The study involved secondary analysis of in-depth transcribedsemi-structured interview data, using Colaizzi's method.This descriptive phenomenological study used purposeful sampling to select subjects (themes) emerged from the analysis of the subthemes in one main domain of attitude and experience of people with MS about leisure time activities. The participants categorized the effects of leisure on human performance into 2 subthemes (physical and mental performance) resulting in one theme (importance and aim of leisure). Besides, based on their ways of passing leisure time (individual style and group style) 3 subthemes and thus one theme (style of spending leisure) were extracted. In addition, 3 subthemes were mentioned for barriers(individual, social, and environmental barriers) that resulted in "leisure obstacles" as a theme.Finally, 2 subthemes were suggested for improving leisure time (personal and social role toleisure improvement) that demonstrated a theme (leisure suggestions).Nine preliminary structural elements (subthemes) and 4 essential structural elements physical and mental performance limitations in people with MS. Experiences of participants in this study expressed the importance of leisure from different aspects. Moreover, although these people spend their leisure time in individual or group activities, they face several obstacles including personal, social, and environmental barriers. In order to improve the quality of leisure for MS patients, more attention needs to be paid to the role of the individual as well as the community.The findings showed that leisure activities are also affected as a result of various