Multiple Sclerosis Patients Knowledge in Saudi Arabia

Abulaban, Ahmad; Altowairqi, Abdulrahman E; Altowairqi, Haitham; Almutairi, Abdulmajeed; Altalhi, Saif; Al-Otaibi, Fahad M.; Alabbadi, Inad

doi:10.17712/nsj.2019.4.20190031

Cited by 7 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 12 publications

(18 reference statements)

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“…In addition, there was a significant difference between smoking duration and the need to use a cane to walk. This is consistent with what was reported in a previous review, which showed smoking to be associated with higher rates of disease activity, greater disability burden, more relapses, and faster rates of brain atrophy [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

The Relationship Between Smoking and Multiple Sclerosis Severity in Saudi Arabia

Makkawi¹,

Alharbi²,

Alsulaimani³

et al. 2022

Cureus

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Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that can be disabling to patients. Smoking has been proposed to be a risk factor for MS and to increase the risk of progression of the disease and its severity. However, it is still not clear how smoking affects people with MS (PwMS) regarding disease phenotype, symptoms, relapses, course, and disability. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of smoking on PwMS in Saudi Arabia. Methods This is an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. PwMS were randomly contacted through different MS societies and associations to participate in the study. The questionnaire inquired about demographics, MS phenotype and severity, and smoking status of the participants. Data were collected between May 30, 2021, and July 5, 2021. Results Four hundred twenty-nine PwMS participated in the study. The mean age was 33.7, with a mean disease duration of 8.1 years. About 61.1% of the participants were female. About 62.2% did not know the specific MS phenotype they have. About 35.7% were current or previous smokers, with a mean smoking duration of 13.9 years. Smoking was significantly associated with the presence of multiple MS symptoms (p-value = 0.009) and their number (p-value = 0.050). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between pack-years smoking and the number of MS symptoms with a Pearson's r value of 0.165 (p-value = 0.001). No significant associations were found between smoking and recent relapses and disease progression, disability in terms of walking, needing a cane, or needing a wheelchair. Conclusion Smoking was shown to have a significant effect on the number of symptoms experienced by PwMS. Higher pack-years of smoking correlates positively and significantly with a higher number of MS symptoms. Further studies to examine these relations are hence warranted.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

The Relationship Between Smoking and Multiple Sclerosis Severity in Saudi Arabia

Makkawi¹,

Alharbi²,

Alsulaimani³

et al. 2022

Cureus

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“…Our results are similar to a Saudi study done to evaluate MS patient knowledge. 16 Although our study assessed MS knowledge among the public, it is still similar to a study that assessed MS patient knowledge. This shows that the cause, genetics, and treatment of the disease are usually neglected topics and require more outreach among both the general public and patients.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 82%

“…The average score for people with MS in our study is very close to other local and French studies that assess MS knowledge among MS patients. 16 20 The similarities between the studies are because patients usually have the same basic information about the disease and receive their knowledge from their doctors. Therefore, they will have similar scores on the questionnaires.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…15 MS patients in SA have less knowledge of both the types and treatment of the disease; however, they possess more knowledge about the pathophysiology of the disease. 16 Despite increasing research and clinical attention, MS is a major health issue due to a lack of knowledge and understanding regarding the nature of the disease. There is no effective curable management of patients with MS; knowledge and awareness are important and can decrease the uncertainty and fill the gap between the patient and the public.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 15 MS patients in SA have less knowledge of both the types and treatment of the disease; however, they possess more knowledge about the pathophysiology of the disease. 16 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and Knowledge among the Community of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Farran

Waggas

Alkhunani

et al. 2021

JNRP

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Objective Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that can lead to lifelong disabilities. There is a significant increase in the global incidence of the disease. In Saudi Arabia (SA), the western region has the greatest number of MS cases. However, there is a lack of studies and research to assess public knowledge in the region. Thus, we aim to assess the public's knowledge of MS in Jeddah, SA. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study surveying 468 participants from the general population of Jeddah. A validated MS knowledge questionnaire (MSKQ-25) was used. Results Most participants were female 347 (74.1%) with a mean age of 35.73 ± 14.71 standard deviation (SD). MS was found in 14 (3%) of the participants. The average score of the (MSKQ) was 7.42 SD ± 4.568 versus the average score of people with MS with a mean of 13.92 SD ± 3.33 and a p value > 0.001. No significant variation was found in knowledge between gender and age groups, but there was a significant correlation between the educational level and the knowledge level. Conclusion The mean knowledge score was below average, which indicates poor knowledge of MS. Since the western region has the highest number of MS cases in SA, the level of understanding needs to increase. This can be improved by conducting educational programs using various types of media.

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A systematic review to explore patients’ MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge

Smith,

Langdon

2024

Neurol Sci

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Living with a chronic illness poses particular challenges, including maintaining current disease knowledge to optimise self-management and interaction with health professionals. People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are increasingly encouraged to participate in shared decision making. Making informed decisions is likely to rely on adequate knowledge about the condition and its associated risks. The aim of this systematic review is to explore patients’ existing MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge, and how these relate to demographic and disease variables. A literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, PubMed and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies were published peer-reviewed reporting quantitative measures of MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge in adult MS patients. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria comprising a total sample of 4,420 patients. A narrative synthesis was undertaken because studies employed various measures. Suboptimal levels of MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge were generally identified across studies. Greater self-reported adherence and a willingness to take medication were related to higher MS knowledge, while educational level was a significant predictor of both MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge. Associations with other demographic and disease-related variables were mixed for both knowledge domains. Direct comparison of results across studies were limited by methodological, sampling and contextual heterogeneity. The review’s findings and implications for future research and clinical practice are considered from this perspective.

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Multiple Sclerosis Patients Knowledge in Saudi Arabia

Cited by 7 publications

References 12 publications

The Relationship Between Smoking and Multiple Sclerosis Severity in Saudi Arabia

The Relationship Between Smoking and Multiple Sclerosis Severity in Saudi Arabia

Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and Knowledge among the Community of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

A systematic review to explore patients’ MS knowledge and MS risk knowledge

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