Multiple Sclerosis Awareness in Jordan, and How Does It Affect the Time of Diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the public awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Jordan and the relationship between awareness about the disease and the timing of the diagnosis. The results will be compared with other Middle Eastern and European studies. Methods: Cross-sectional study through an online survey among the general population and MS patients using the Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge Questionnaire (MSKQ). The symptoms of the first MS attack were also assessed. Results: There were 507 participants, 393 among the general population, and 114 MS patients. The majority of the participants were females (72.1%), and the most common age group was in the range of 25-44 years. Among the 507 participants, 98 were medical professionals, with 13 MS patients. The most common symptoms of the first attack of MS were unsteadiness and numbness/weakness in