COVID-19 related knowledge, anxiety, depression and physical activity among Iranian people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis during COVID-19 pandemic: an online cross-sectional survey

Abstract Aims To determine COVID-19 related knowledge, assess the anxiety/depression and physical activity and their association with demographic variables among Iranian people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also attempted to find the association between COVID-19 related knowledge and physical activity with anxiety and depression. Methods One hundred and forty MS patients participated in an online cross-sectional survey. The survey, including the COVID-19 related knowledge questionnaire, hospital anxiety, depression scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire, was carried out through Google forms. Results Most of the participants had an appropriate level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 (achieved more than 70% of the total score). More than 40% of participants experienced anxiety, depression and more than 50% were lowly active during COVID-19 pandemic. Participants with higher education levels had higher knowledge, physical activity scores and lower anxiety, depression level. Younger participants were more physically active. A negative association between patients’ knowledge, physical activity and the symptoms of anxiety, depression was found. Conclusions Despite the appropriate level of knowledge, it is recommended to provide updated information regarding COVID-19 to ensure MS patients' safety during the pandemic. In addition, the results emphasise the need to implement appropriate strategies to improve physical and mental health.