Impact of MCS on people's social and occupational functioning; a systematic review of qualitative research studies, 2020, Driesen

Dolphin · Feb 18, 2020

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022399919309766

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Available online 13 February 2020, 109964

Review article
The impact of multiple chemical sensitivity on people's social and occupational functioning; a systematic review of qualitative research studies
Author links open overlay panelDriesenLaura(PgDip)
PattonRobertJohnMary
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.109964 Get rights and content

Highlights

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People with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) experience stigma and disbelief.

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MCS is associated with financial, social and occupational losses.

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Coping strategies include requesting accommodations, avoidance and support groups.

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People affected by MCS might benefit from psychosocial support.

Abstract
Objective
Social and occupational functioning are important for psychological health. However, quantitative research has suggested that these areas can be adversely affected by multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). This systematic review therefore sought to explore what qualitative research has suggested about how people with MCS perceive it to affect their social and occupational functioning.

Method
Journal articles were included if they were 1) peer reviewed 2) qualitative or mixed methods 3) published in English 4) reported qualitative findings relevant to the review. Studies were excluded if they were 1) descriptive only 2) primarily concerned with environmental intolerances other than chemicals or 3) focussed on specific populations such as veterans. Quality was assessed using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2018) qualitative quality criteria. However, quality was not used to determine eligibility for inclusion. Six databases (CINAHL, Medline, PsychArticles, PsychInfo, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched between the 24th of February 2019 and 2nd of March 2019.

Results
Having removed duplicates, database searches identified 388 potential articles. Thirteen of these articles were eligible for inclusion. Following review, no more articles were included from the reference lists of these studies. Meta-aggregation of the findings identified seven categories. These were synthesised into three themes; ‘limited access’, ‘loss & anxiety’ and ‘seeking engagement’.

Conclusions
The findings suggested that MCS limits some people's social and occupational functioning. The results warrant further research, and, the development of prevention and intervention strategies. Studies predominantly recruited United States and Canadian females and had several limitations.

Keywords
Multiple chemical sensitivity
Chemical intolerance
Quality of life
Social
Work
Mental health

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