Covid-19 Related Knowledge, Anxiety, Depression and Physical Activity Among Iranian People With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis During Covid-19 Pandemic: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey Publisher



Shahali S¹ ; Choobsaz H² ; Ebrahimi R³
Source: European Journal of Physiotherapy Published:2023

Abstract

Aims: To determine COVID-19 related knowledge, assess the anxiety/depression and physical activity and their association with demographic variables among Iranian people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also attempted to find the association between COVID-19 related knowledge and physical activity with anxiety and depression. Methods: One hundred and forty MS patients participated in an online cross-sectional survey. The survey, including the COVID-19 related knowledge questionnaire, hospital anxiety, depression scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire, was carried out through Google forms. Results: Most of the participants had an appropriate level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 (achieved more than 70% of the total score). More than 40% of participants experienced anxiety, depression and more than 50% were lowly active during COVID-19 pandemic. Participants with higher education levels had higher knowledge, physical activity scores and lower anxiety, depression level. Younger participants were more physically active. A negative association between patients’ knowledge, physical activity and the symptoms of anxiety, depression was found. Conclusions: Despite the appropriate level of knowledge, it is recommended to provide updated information regarding COVID-19 to ensure MS patients' safety during the pandemic. In addition, the results emphasise the need to implement appropriate strategies to improve physical and mental health. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.