Awareness, risk perception, and protective behaviors in regard to multiple sclerosis among people in Sanandaj, Iran

Epidemiological studies in recent decades have been indicative of increased prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the world. In this study we investigated awareness, risk perception, and protective behaviors in relation to multiple sclerosis among people in Sanandaj, Iran.
Material and This cross-sectional study included 800 people over 15 years of age. Samples were selected randomly from all of the city areas. The questionnaire included questions regarding demographic information, knowledge, perception of risk and protective behavior for MS. Using STATA12; data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical tests including x2 and regression. P-value less than 0.05 were considered significant.
Mean age of the participants was 38.27±14.91 years. In all age groups, the knowledge of the participants about MS was low (P Knowledge of people of Sanandaj about multiple sclerosis was suboptimal. Designing and implementation of intervention programs to enhance people's understanding of MS, ways to prevent, and promoting protective behaviors at the community level is necessry.