Awareness of Patients With MS From Covid 19: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study on the Second Wave of Coronavirus in Jahrom City

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Patients with multiple sclerosis, especially those treated with immunosuppressive drugs, are less immune than normal individuals and may be more susceptible to Covid 19. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of patients with MS of Covid 19 during the corona epidemic in Jahrom in 2021. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional census study was performed on 191 patients with definite multiple sclerosis in Jahrom in 2021. Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire and a standard questionnaire for MS patients’ knowledge of Covid 19. Questionnaire information was collected in SPSS software version 21 and collected using descriptive and inferential statistical indicators. Results: Of 191 patients with MS during coron pandemic, 6.3% of them had coronary artery disease. The mean score of MS patients was (80.7%). There was a significant relationship between demographic variables such as gender, education and number of households with patients’ knowledge (P<0.05). The highest level of awareness was observed in men, patients with postgraduate education and patients with a large number of two-person households and in government employees with excellent economic status. The majority of patients considered the disease phase to be pandemic and the corona to be rapidly transmitted from person to person and its symptoms to be persistent fever and cough. The majority of patients also believed in the protective role of gloves and masks and the use of shields in preventing coronary heart disease. Conclusion: Patients with MS have a good understanding of this stage of the Covid 19 pandemic, while about 10% of them do not follow the quarantine rules completely. Therefore, training programs can be considered for these people who are at higher risk for Covid 19 infection.