Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness: Knowledge and Attitude Among Saudi Population in Taif City, Ksa.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an organ specific inflammatory disease that considered the main cause of chronic neurologic disability in young and middle-aged adults with increased prevalence in Saudi Arabia. Public awareness MS is generally poor, and this limited understanding delays the early diagnosis and treatment of patients. This study was community based cross sectional study that conducted in different public areas.A structured questionnaire including questions on knowledge and attitude of MS was administered. A total of 900 questionnaires were distributed and 715 were completed the questionnaire. The mean knowledge score among the study cohort was 8.74 ± 2.7 and the mean attitude score was 2.19± 1.8 with no significant variation regarding age and sex of participants. Learning from surrounding people was the only source of information with significantly high knowledge and attitude score. Also, participants who recorded knowing someone with MS was significantly had higher knowledge and attitude scores. Most respondents in our sample suffered from deficiency of background information about MS and health education. Therefore, more intensified awareness programs among population are necessary to ensure reliable information reach the public in order for early detection and management of this serious disease. Also, further researches are needed to identify causes of inadequate knowledge and attitude of MS among Saudi population. More utilization of Media as an important source of MS is important to improve awareness among the community.

Awareness of Saudi community toward multiple sclerosis in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

“…Multiple sclerosis is most commonly first diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 years; over time, it results in varying levels of progressive mobility and sensory functional limitations affecting not only function but also appearance. 23 This finding is in line with Hudaif et al 17 and better than that of Amer et al 20 In the present study, 38.6% of participants answered that MS affects more women than men, as also reported by Hudaif et al 17 and Amer et al 20 The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation reported that women and young adults are commonly affected by MS. 24 The average age of onset of MS is 30 years, which is the age a person typically begins a family and may not have typically reached their full earning potential; MS has a particularly destructive outcome on family, social, and professional relationships. Critical diagnosis and early treatment can prevent the irreversible long-term sequelae in patients with MS. 25,26 More than half )52%( of the respondents in the present study answered that vitamin D deficiency, family history of MS, personal history of autoimmune disease, viruses, and obesity were factors that increased the risk of developing MS.…”

“…This agrees with the study in Al-Taif, where 65% of the participants were female. 20 Despite the low level of knowledge in the present study, half of the participants recognized MS as a neurological disease affecting the CNS. This agrees with Hudaif et al, 17 who reported a similar percentage of 61%, and was higher than that reported by Amer et al, 20 which was only 14%.…”

“…20 Despite the low level of knowledge in the present study, half of the participants recognized MS as a neurological disease affecting the CNS. This agrees with Hudaif et al, 17 who reported a similar percentage of 61%, and was higher than that reported by Amer et al, 20 which was only 14%. In our study, more than 40% of the participants knew that younger people, example those aged 20-30 years old, are more affected by MS.…”

“…Generally, public awareness of MS is poor, and this limited understanding delays early diagnosis and treatment. [20][21][22] In the present study, nearly three-fourths of the participants were female. This agrees with the study in Al-Taif, where 65% of the participants were female.…”

Awareness of patients with multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia regarding the relationship between smoking and multiple sclerosis

“…In fact, this lack of awareness of MS was found to be a general problem encountered in Saudi Arabia. [19][20] This emphasizes the importance of providing better education to these patients.…”