General knowledge and Attitudes Toward Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory and chronic disease of the central nervous system. Lack of knowledge about the disease and its symptoms may delay early diagnosis and control of the disease. The present study aimed to investigate the general knowledge and attitude towards multiple sclerosis in Isfahan. Methods: This was a cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study conducted in 2021 in Isfahan. A researcher-made questionnaire with 22 questions was created and distributed online through social networks. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance with SPSS software (v.24). Results: A total number of 480 people participated in this study. The mean scores of knowledge and attitude were 4.77±1.86 and 54±6.24, respectively. T-test results indicated that there is a significant difference between participants' knowledge and attitude scores in terms of gender and history of multiple sclerosis in those around them. Analysis of variance results also showed that there is a significant difference in the mean scores of participants' knowledge and attitude according to their education level and job status. But there was no difference in the participants' attitudes toward multiple sclerosis and patients with multiple sclerosis according to their marital status. Conclusion: Based on the present study findings, participants' knowledge about multiple sclerosis was moderate. Therefore, Measures must be taken in order to increase the public awareness through the mass media and health centers. It can help to early diagnose and control of the disease and correcting the people's misconceptions about patients with multiple sclerosis.