Multiple Sclerosis Patients Knowledge in Saudi Arabia

To assess Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients` knowledge in Saudi Arabia (SA) and in which aspect of the disease do patient need more awareness. A cross-sectional web-based survey has been conducted between June and August 2017. It consisted of 2 parts: sociodemographic and 23 multiple choice questions chosen from the previously validated MS Knowledge Questionnaire (MSKQ). The survey has been sent to 500 MS patients. A total of 218 MS patients filled the questionnaire where only 200 included in the study. Female MS patient represents 66% of all the participants. More than half of the patients had achieved their bachelor degree. The total mean of the correct answer for both male and female found to be 58.98% (+/-SD 15.06%). Most patients were aware that MS is a disease of central nervous system (93%), autoimmune disease (79%), not contagious (90%), or inherited (64.5%). However, few patients were aware that there is no single test to diagnose MS (28.5%), and intravenous injection of contrast during MRI reveals new lesions (18.5%). Only (37%) knew what is `Relapsing-remitting` MS. The MS knowledge is positively correlated with the educational level. Patients with MS in SA have less knowledge in the disease`s types, workups, and treatment efficacy. While in contrast, they have more awareness of the disease`s pathophysiology. Patient`s awareness programs should aid more knowledge among MS patients in SA.