Assess the knowledge and attitude towards multiple sclerosis (MS) and its effects on pregnancy among women with Multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia
Main Article Content
Keywords
Multiple sclerosis, Pregnancy
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a CNS autoimmune disorder that mainly affects young and childbearing
age females. Pregnancy in patients with MS has protective effects on the patient, particularly in the
3rd trimester period, and no adverse effects on the fetus. Being aware of the consequences of MS and
pregnancy can substantially reduce the stress and anxiety among MS pregnant woman. This study
aims to measure the knowledge among MS females about MS and its effects on pregnancy in Saudi
Arabia.
Methods: A validated questionnaire’s link was distributed among a convenient sample of females
with definitive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) from different regions of Saudi Arabia. Local
patients were found in MS clinics in National Guard Health Affair.
Results: The mean age of the women in the sample was 33.78 + 8.16. More than three quarters
(83.6%) of the sample had their ages ranged between 20 to 40 years old. About 60% of the sample
were married and 58.2 % had children. About one quarter 26.4% of the sample had the disease for 11
and more years. More than have (58.2%) of the women in the sample completed either their bachelor
or postgraduate education. More than two thirds (70.3%) were not working. More than half (57.1) of
the women in the sample were from the Eastern Region. About two thirds (67%) of the sample had
good knowledge score regarding MS. In addition, there was a statistically significant negative
relationship between age and total knowledge score (p= 0.036).
Conclusion: Most of our participants were educated and at the age of 40 and below with a good
knowledge about multiple sclerosis and its effects on pregnancy and childbirth which contributes to a
better perception of conception and acceptance of their disease.
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