The Knowledge About the Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Pregnancy and Maternity Among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background/

Objectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is most frequently diagnosed in young adults of reproductive age. Although current evidence indicates that MS itself does not usually preclude pregnancy or parenthood, patients may still have insufficient knowledge in this area. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge about the relationship of MS and pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, fertility, and parenthood among women and men with MS.

Methods

This single-center questionnaire-based study included 194 patients with MS: 144 women and 50 men. Participants completed a 12-item paper-and-pen questionnaire assessing general patient-level knowledge. Results were analyzed according to sex and age group: ≤35 years and >35 years. The mean number of correct answers and the proportion of participants reaching the predefined threshold of ≥50% correct answers were calculated.

Results

Participants aged ≤ 35 years achieved a higher mean number of correct answers than those aged > 35 years: 5.0 versus 3.2, respectively. This difference was also observed among women: 5.9 versus 3.3 correct answers. Among men, no age-related difference was observed: 2.7 versus 2.8 correct answers. The predefined threshold of ≥50% correct answers was reached by 38.5% of participants aged ≤ 35 years and 27.9% of those aged > 35 years. Women had higher percentages of correct answers than men for all questionnaire items.

Conclusions

Knowledge about MS, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, fertility, and parenthood was limited in this cohort. Women and younger adults achieved higher knowledge. Education should be proactive, repeated during routine MS care, and addressed to both women and men with MS.