Title : Assessment of multiple sclerosis awareness and knowledge among Saudi population
Abstract:
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). It affects adults during their most productive years. The estimated prevalence of MS around the world is 20 per 100,000. Prevalence of MS in Saudi Arabia has been estimated to be 26 in 100000. A lack of knowledge about the disease symptoms may cause patients to present late and miss the opportunity to reap the benefits of early intervention. This study examines the awareness, knowledge and the sources of knowledge on Multiple Sclerosis disease in Saudi population. This information would help building more targeted public health awareness campaigns that may aid in early intervention of MS.
Methods: A community based cross sectional study that was conducted in different public areas (shopping malls, coffee-shops, social clubs, supermarkets, and online platforms) of different regions of KSA. Adult Saudis aged 18 years and above. A validated structured questionnaire including questions on awareness, knowledge, and sources of knowledge on MS was administered using convenience sampling Based on prior research studies, and total saudi population. Assuming a significant level of 5% and margin of error of 20% a sample size of 374 was sought.
Results: A total of 544 individuals have completed the survey. Female participants make up 45.2% of all the participants. There was 81.8 % between the ages of 18 and 45. However, almost 30% have earned a university degree. According to the survey analysis, 72.6% had previously heard about the disease, with social media platforms constituting as the primary source of information (56.1%). Only 29% of participants knew someone who had the condition. Participants were aware that MS is an immunological disease (55.5%), contagious (1.1%), or inherited (14.4%). However, some individuals were aware that physiotherapy is beneficial to MS patients (28.3%).
Nevertheless, the majority of the participants (90.6%) believed that MS sufferers required support and assistance. Only (22.2%) thought that this disease may be avoided; 18.2% stated that it cannot, while 64% were not sure. Moreover, less than one-third of participants were aware that there is a treatment for MS, and 63.4% believed MS was more prevalent among women. 53.3% of the participants correctly answered the comprehension question on typical symptoms, whereas 58.3% accurately answered questions regarding risk factors. However, most of the participants (89.5%) believed that all patients will have a compromised scholastic and professional life. Almost two-thirds of participants assumed it was a disease of the elderly. Finally, over half of the participants believed that there was a prominent association between MS and depression.
Conclusion: The Saudi public’s understanding of Multiple Sclerosis as a disease, its prevalence, and its treatment remains inadequate. On the other hand, they are slightly aware of certain elements in the condition’s pathophysiology. Nevertheless, programs to raise public awareness should help increase MS knowledge in Saudi Arabia.
