Frontiers in neurology
Perception of virus effects and vaccination among people with multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia
By Alnajashi H, Basheikh KI, Alqurayqiri BOA and 3 others.
Abstract
Background
People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are at increased risk of infection due to immune dysregulation and exposure to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Despite this risk, real-world vaccine uptake remains inconsistent. This study evaluated vaccination readiness, counseling practices, and infection-related perceptions among pwMS in Saudi Arabia.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults with MS (n = 204) recruited using non-probability (convenience) sampling from tertiary-care clinical and community-based sources. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, vaccination attitudes and uptake, counseling experiences, perceptions of infection risk related to MS and DMTs, and awareness of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Internal consistency of multi-item measures was acceptable (Cronbach's α = 0.72). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize outcomes.