The impact of multiple sclerosis on parenting: a mixed-method systematic review

Purpose: MS symptoms can interfere with daily functioning, making parental responsibilities more challenging. This review synthesises quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method evidence to determine how MS affects parenting capabilities and experiences. Methods and materials: This review follows PRISMA and JBI guidelines. Systematic searches were conducted across Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, PsychINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases, yielding 1,792 results. These were screened using SPIDER framework criteria to identify studies examining parenting measures and experiences amongst parents with MS. Results: This review included 22 studies, eleven quantitative, nine qualitative, and two mixed-method studies. Overall, 2,466 parents with MS participated in the studies included. Synthesised findings indicated that MS significantly impacts parenting, predominantly negatively. Four main themes emerged from the synthesis: Risk and protective factors related to parenting with MS; Impact of parental MS on parenting activities and daily family life; Emotional impact of MS on parents and views of relationships within the family; Managing and coping as a parent with MS. Conclusion: Many parents with MS encounter substantial daily challenges due to fatigue, limited mobility, and cognitive difficulties. Several potentially helpful supports were identified for parents with MS, including mental health supports, social support networks, and assistance with family communication about MS diagnosis.