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

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. Original ArticlesResults: 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.

Community Awareness Toward Multiple Sclerosis in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Recent epidemiological studies showed increasing rates of MS in Saudi Arabia and the number of cases continues to rise, reflecting the advances in diagnostic modalities and easier access to specialized centers [ 1 ]. Currently, all forms of MS have disease-modifying therapeutics that alter the course of their disease.…”

“…Any healthcare worker, health specialties students, or MS patients who were diagnosed to have MS of all types of all ages and nationalities were excluded. Data were collected through a previously validated online questionnaire in published studies [ 1 , 6 ]. It was formulated in Arabic and English, was completed using Google Documents, and distributed electronically via social media applications.…”

“…Multiple epidemiological studies showed a high prevalence of MS in Saudi Arabia and the number of cases continues to rise [ 1 , 12 ]. Further studies are needed to evaluate community-specific risk factors related to increasing prevalence in Saudi Arabia.…”

“…Previous studies in Saudi Arabia [ 13 ], including several cities such as Riyadh city [ 14 ], Qassim region [ 1 ], and Taif city [ 11 ], have explored the awareness of MS among the general population. As it's a crucial part of early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying medications, and in turn improves outcomes.…”

“…Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition considered a main and most prevalent inflammatory neurodegenerative disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) [1][2][3]. MS is considered to be an organ-specific disease with immune-mediated myelin destruction associated with the term autoimmunity, mediated by autoreactive T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cells [4][5][6].…”