Assessment of social stigma among multiple sclerosis patients in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: To assess the social stigma towards multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey study was done in Saudi Arabia. It targets social stigma among multiple sclerosis patients in Saudi Arabia. This questionnaire was filled out by patients using Google Forms, and the questionnaire was designed to measure the demographic data and social Stigma using a validated RSS-MS scale. Results: After we applied the exclusion criteria, we received 381 MS patients who completed the study questionnaire. The results of the study showed that there are regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where the societal stigma towards multiple sclerosis is high compared to other regions in the Northern region )25.5 +/- 10.0( and the lowest among Eastern region patients )17.3 +/- 7.2(. The study also, showed that unmarried people have a higher stigma compared to married patients )21.0 +/- 8.3 vs. 18.9 +/- 8.0, respectively; p=.011(. Conclusion: Our study showed the extent of societal stigma towards patients with multiple sclerosis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We recommend more psychological and social support for patients with multiple sclerosis and more volunteer campaigns for the disease