Knowledge Gaps in Reproductive Health among Women with MS (KNOWwMS): a project protocol

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition affecting primarily women in childbearing age. Studies have highlighted the significant challenges and limitations women face in accessing reliable and consistent information on reproductive health from neurologists and other healthcare professionals, especially in limited resources settings. In these global settings, there is a need to explore the core set of information about MS and its impact on their reproductive health that could lead to better awareness and self-reliance.

The project aims to define a set of information that any woman with MS should know (“Core Knowledge Set”), tailored towards resource-limited settings. This set will be aimed at filling key knowledge gaps reported by women with MS regarding the connection between MS and reproductive health. Additionally, it may serve as a valuable tool to support the adoption of evidence-based recommendations for improving access to MS-related information.

A mixed methodology has been developed for informing the set through two stages: (a) mapping the available evidence by means of a systematic scoping review of the published literature addressing information needs among women with MS, and (b) two international, anonymous on-line surveys aimed at assessing access to information sources and knowledge gaps from the perspective of women as well as MS healthcare professionals, focusing on limited resources settings.