Relational quality, illness interference, and partner support in Ménière's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to better understand how patients and their significant others (SOs) cope with Menière's disease (MD).

DESIGN: The study used a cross-sectional design and the data were collected using questionnaires.

STUDY SAMPLE: Seventy-five dyads in which one person had MD.

RESULTS: SOs of patients with MD not only experienced activity and participation restrictions but also had positive experiences. In relational quality, the SOs reported uncertainty of their future, limited visits in noisy places, limited activities as walking, watching TV, and participating in social life. The illness interference correlated with the patients' complaints, and most significant was the problem of imbalance. The quality of life was significantly reduced in patients with MD, and the illness interference in terms of quality of life was correlated with the SOs in items related to mood and anxiety. The stress related conditions of the SOs were correlated with two positive items (e.g. alleviating the stress factor). The SOs could also identify one positive item (i.e., improved relationship).

CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of MD as interfering in couples' lives influence dyadic coping in unique ways. The current study identified that dyadic coping has both positive aspects and limitations as a consequence of their partner's MD.