The study aims to pilot two developed questionnaires about MS and pregnancy/motherhood in different countries and to explore the needs of women with MS who considering pregnancy. One of the questionnaires, the motherhood/pregnancy choice and worries questionnaire (MPWQ), is designed to measure concerns, attitudes and coping strategies regarding pregnancy and motherhood. [1, 2] The second one, the motherhood choice knowledge questionnaire (MCKQ), will clarify the knowledge on MS and pregnancy. We piloted and validated the questionnaires in Germany.

We will conduct an anonymous multinational survey using LimeSurvey, a widely established web-based survey tool. It is planned that the following countries participate: Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Spain and Switzerland. Our questionnaires were translated forward and backward into the respective languages. The comprehensiveness and user-friendliness of the translations were assessed with women with MS using think-aloud. The web-based survey will consist of a demographical and disease specific section, followed by the MPWQ and MCKQ. We will also include the validated Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) [3] and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) [4]. In each country, the web-based survey will include at least 50 women with MS. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics.

1) Demographic and professional (health/other) characteristics;

2) open-ended question about understanding of UPFs;

3) a free-listing task, e.g., “Please list up to 10 different types of foods and drinks that you consider to be ultra-processed”;

4) identification of UPFs through images and rationale for items selection;

5) UPFs and non-UPFs commonly identified as healthy, unhealthy, convenient and affordable will be presented for comparison; and

6) rating of healthiness of UPFs and non-UPFs using the FoodProK method.

Women aged 18-45 years with relapsing-remitting MS, clinically isolated syndrome or suspected relapsing-remitting MS who are dealing with the issue of pregnancy/motherhood.

Available internet access is mandatory for the web-based survey.

Only women who indicate that they are fluent in the local national language and who have provided signed informed consent will be included.

- People not diagnosed with MS

October 2024

Julia Peper, M.Sc.

University of Lübeck

Email: julia.peper@uksh.de

International

Yes

15/08/2024