RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Multiple Sclerosis Patients Knowledge in Saudi Arabia
JF Neurosciences Journal
JO Neurosciences (Riyadh)
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 327
OP 331
DO 10.17712/nsj.2019.4.20190031
VO 24
IS 4
A1 Ahmad Abulaban
A1 Abdulrahman Altowairqi
A1 Haitham Altowairqi
A1 Abdulmajeed Almutairi
A1 Saif Altalhi
A1 Fahad Alotaibi
A1 Inad Alabbadi
YR 2019
UL http://nsj.org.sa/content/24/4/327.abstract
AB 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.