Multiple Sclerosis Patients Knowledge in Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To assess Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients’ knowledge in Saudi Arabia (SA) and in which aspect of the disease do patient need more awareness.Methods:A cross-sectional web-based survey has been conducted between June and August 2017. It consisted of 2 parts: sociodemographic and 23 multiple choice questions chosen from the previously validated MS Knowledge Questionnaire (MSKQ). The survey has been sent to 500 MS patients.Results:A total of 218 MS patients filled the questionnaire where only 200 included in the study. Female MS patient represents 66% of all the participants. More than half of the patients had achieved their bachelor degree. The total mean of the correct answer for both male and female found to be 58.98%(±SD 15.06%). Most patients were aware that MS is a disease of central nervous system (93%), autoimmune disease (79%), not contagious (90.5%), or inherited (64.5%). However, few patients were aware that there is no single test to diagnose MS (28.5%), and intravenous injection of contrast during MRI reveals new lesions (18.5%). Only (37%) knew what is “Relapsing–remitting”MS. The MS knowledge is positively correlated with the educational level.Conclusion:Patients with MS in SA have less knowledge in the disease’s types, workups, and treatment efficacy. While in contrast, they have more awareness of the disease’s pathophysiology. Patient’s awareness programs should aid more knowledge among MS patients in SA.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system; its behavior is highly varied and unpredictable, and the cause, until now, is not known.1 Nevertheless, it appears to be multifactorial; it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors.1-3 Moreover, it is a common autoimmune disease of the central nervous system.4,5The prevalence of MS in the Middle East is low to medium.6 Incidences of MS in the Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, in particular, suggest an indication of its increase.7 The Prevalence of the disease in Saudi Arabia has not been studied yet. Not to mention that MS awareness and knowledge is sub-optimal in the country.4Patients’ knowledge of pathophysiology, types, diagnostic modalities and medication effectiveness is critical to facilitate decision-making, achieving emotional stability, and help the patient cope with the disease. Because of the lack of published research in this area, as the literature review of this study indicates, the aim of this study is to measure patient’s knowledge of MS.