The Awareness and Knowledge of Multiple Sclerosis Patients About Their Disease: A Lebanese Cross-sectional Study

Background: Disease-related knowledge of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) can influence self-management, coping, treatment adherence, and clinical health outcomes. Studies assessing MS patients' knowledge are scarce.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of Lebanese MS patients regarding their disease and identify the factors associated with poor knowledge.

Methods: This cross-sectional, multicenter, survey-based study was conducted between June and September 2023 among Lebanese MS patients with confirmed diagnosis. MS knowledge was assessed using the validated MS knowledge questionnaire (MSKQ-25).

Results: A total of 350 patients were included. Most (92.3 %) were diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, and 65.1 % were female with a mean age of 39.4 ± 11.4 years. The mean MSKQ-25 score was 15.1 ± 3.9. The mean percentage of correct answers was 60.4 % ± 15.9, with 65.1 % scoring ≥60 %. Multivariate analysis identified higher education (p = 0.004) and residence in Beirut (p = 0.025) as significant predictors of increased knowledge levels.

Conclusion: Lebanese MS patients demonstrated adequate disease knowledge. Higher education and residing in the capital Beirut were key contributors to improved knowledge.