@article {Al-Hamdan77, author = {Nourah A. Al-Hamdan and Eman A. Al-Otaibi and Manal A. Al-Mutairi and Malak G. Al-Mutairi and Ola A. Al-Otaibi and Marwah A. Al-Mozeri and Weam K. Al-Masaud and Manal A. Al-Batanony}, title = {Awareness of Saudi community toward multiple sclerosis in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {77--84}, year = {2021}, doi = {10.17712/nsj.2021.1.20200115}, publisher = {Neurosciences Journal}, abstract = {Objectives: To evaluate the awareness of Saudis in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia on multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 Saudis in Qassim, Saudi Arabia between January 2019 and June 2019 using a pre-designed questionnaire including socio-demographic data and questions evaluating knowledge about MS.Results: The majority of studied participants were adult females (74\%), between 20-30 year-old (45.1\%) and with high education level or above (80.6\%). Nearly one third of the studied group had good knowledge regarding MS (31.7\%). Half of the studied group knew that central nervous system (CNS) is the system affected by MS, 52\% reported that vitamin D deficiency, family history of MS, personal history of autoimmune disease, viruses, and obesity are the factors which increase the risk of developing MS. Approximately, 62.9\% knew that blurred and double vision, numbness, paralysis or weakness and difficulty in concentration and memorizing are symptoms of MS. Female participants and those knowing someone having MS had a significant good knowledge level regarding MS than others. Getting knowledge from combined sources from internet or social media; family, friends or neighbors and health workers was significantly more prevalent among those with good knowledge.Conclusion: Most of the study participants had limited knowledge regarding MS. Planning health education programs for the public is essential.}, URL = {https://nsj.org.sa/content/26/1/77}, eprint = {https://nsj.org.sa/content/26/1/77.full.pdf}, journal = {Neurosciences Journal} }