Anticipated Stigma among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia

Social stigma is a major problem among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which can affect their quality of life. There is limited research from Saudi Arabia on the anticipated stigma among patients with MS.

To determine the levels of anticipated stigma and its predictors in patients with MS in Saudi Arabia.

This cross-sectional study included adult patients with MS across Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic and medical information, including age, gender, marital status, educational level, duration of disease, number of MS episodes in the past 12 months, previous diagnosis of mental illness, and performing activities of daily living without assistance, were collected. Anticipated stigma was measured using an Arabic version of the Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale.

A total of 222 patients with MS were included. Moderate to severe anticipated stigma was found among 70.4% of the patients. The highest anticipated stigma mean score was from work colleagues (2.96/5). Predictors of stigma were age (P = 0.049), gender (P = 0.016), marital status (P = 0.015), education level (P = 0.003), number of MS episodes in the previous year (P < 0.001), and previous diagnosis of a mental disorder (P = 0.001).

The findings of this study indicate the need for developing programs that reduce the anticipated stigma among patients with MS in Saudi Arabia.