Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge level among the patients' families and the patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out recruiting a convenient sample of 316 patients and family members. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge Questionnaire. Data were collected through online means via Google Forms.
Results: The findings revealed moderate knowledge among the majority of both patients (44.3%) and family members (45.6%). However, mean knowledge scores showed that family members were more knowledgeable (74.3%) than the patients (63.2%). Among patients, significant differences in knowledge scores were observed across their education level (p < 0.001), age (p-value = 0.02), and income level (p-value = 0.05). Among family members, significant differences in knowledge scores were observed across their education level (p < 0.001) and income level (p-value = 0.03). Family members were more knowledgeable about diagnostic methods, the nature of the disease, and treatment options, compared to patients.
Conclusion: The moderate knowledge among the participants highlighted the need for targeted educational programs designed to fill the participants' knowledge deficits detected in this study to improve disease management.

Key words: Assessment, knowledge level, patient, family members, multiple sclerosis