Impact of general population stigmatization toward marriage in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition affecting the central nervous system that typically manifests in young adults. Stigma poses significant psychosocial challenges for patients with MS, negatively impacting their personal and social lives. However, limited research has examined how MS-related stigmatization influences marriage. This study focused on unmarried individuals aged 20-40 years in Iran to determine the prevalence of societal stigma and their willingness to marry someone with MS.

Methods: A researcher-designed questionnaire was used to collect data from 343 unmarried individuals in a cross-sectional study. In-person interviews were conducted to assess participants' overall understanding of MS and their views on marrying someone with the condition. The questionnaire measured sociodemographic variables and the degree of stigmatization toward MS by including concerns related to marriage with MS patients and their families.

Results: Data were collected from 343 participants (53% female), with a mean age of 25.96 ± 6.05 years. Overall, 77.6% expressed reluctance to marry someone diagnosed with MS-primarily due to concerns about physical disabilities. Additionally, 47.2% were hesitant if a potential spouse's parent had MS, while 46.6% and 28.4% reported similar reservations regarding siblings and second-degree relatives, respectively. Participants employed in healthcare fields demonstrated significantly lower levels of stigma (p = 0.031). Younger individuals tended to hold more stigmatizing views (p = 0.04), and significant variations were also observed across different ethnic groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the social consequences of MS by providing valuable insights that can inform the development of strategies aimed at mitigating societal stigma. By enhancing awareness and promoting supportive interventions, it is possible to cultivate an inclusive environment that not only improves the quality of life for those affected by MS but also reduces stigma across various social contexts, including interpersonal relationships and marital dynamics.