The multiple sclerosis(MS) is a autoimmune diseaseof the central nervous system which affects 100,000 people in France.
On the occasion of World Awareness Day for this pathology, May 25, a Ifop study in collaboration with Merck laboratories reveals the level of knowledge and perception of the French vis-à-vis it.
Main lesson: 96% of French people have already heard of MS and more than six out of ten respondents know exactly what it is, reveals the infographic illustrating the study.
However, 89% of respondents admit to being afraid of this neurological and progressive disease for which there is currently no no treatment. 91% of those questioned are also aware that this pathology is incurable.
What about the symptoms? Again, the respondents are rather aware of the manifestations of MS in the patient. Numbness, fatigue, spasms, paralysis, loss of balance and tremors are experienced by more than 80% of French people.
Still, the French would like an effort to be made on communication around this disease. In fact, 65% of respondents deplore a lack of information on this subject.
A received idea persists
MS is a pathology that handicaps daily life and upsets family life as well as professional life. Here too, the French seem well informed. On the other hand, the study shows that a received idea persists around MS. 26% of respondents still believe that MS prevents having children.
In France, 2,500 new cases of MS are diagnosed each year, according to the Ministry of Health.
To read also: Soon a treatment to slow down the evolution of multiple sclerosis
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