Exploring Reproductive Decision-Making Among Women With Multiple Sclerosis
ConditionMultiple Sclerosis
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexFemale
Age18-49
SponsorAssiut University
About this trial
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that mainly affects young adults, including women during their reproductive years. Women with MS may face important questions and concerns related to marriage, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, motherhood, and family planning. These decisions may be influenced by concerns about MS symptoms and disability, pregnancy-related changes in the disease, medications, possible effects on the baby, and the availability of appropriate reproductive health counseling and support.
This study aims to explore reproductive decision-making among women of reproductive age living with multiple sclerosis in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. The study will examine their experiences, concerns, fertility intentions, childbearing preferences, family planning practices, and experiences related to marriage, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and motherhood. It will also assess factors that may influence reproductive decisions, including disease-related characteristics, social and demographic factors, reproductive autonomy, and partner support among married women.
The study will use a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. The quantitative component will include eligible married women with multiple sclerosis attending selected multiple sclerosis clinics in Assiut Governorate. Information will be collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and validated assessment tools. The quantitative findings will be used to identify important patterns and factors associated with reproductive decision-making.
A qualitative component will then be conducted through in-depth interviews with selected women with multiple sclerosis to provide a deeper understanding of their experiences and concerns. Single women will be explored qualitatively to understand their perspectives regarding marriage, fertility, and future reproductive plans, while married women who participate in the quantitative component may also be invited for qualitative interviews. Participants will be selected to obtain a range of experiences and characteristics, and interviews will continue until sufficient information is obtained.
The study will provide a better understanding of the reproductive needs and concerns of women living with multiple sclerosis in Assiut Governorate. The findings may help identify gaps in reproductive health counseling and support and may contribute to the development of more patient-centered reproductive health services for women with multiple sclerosis
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Within reproductive age group (18-49 years).
With confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the 2024 Revised McDonald Criteria (31).
Able to communicate, agree to participate in the study and provide informed consent.
Disqualifiers
Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric illness affects their ability to participate in the study.
Acute medical or neurological deterioration at the time of recruitment makes participation inappropriate or burdensome.
Any condition judged by the clinical team or research team to make participation unsafe or to compromise the validity of the interview.
Trial population
The quantitative study population will include married women aged 18-49 with confirmed multiple sclerosis who attend the selected study sites during the study period. On the other hand, the qualitative population will include single, currently married, divorced and widowed/ever-married women aged 18-49 years with confirmed MS, as appropriate to the study sites and the qualitative sampling plan.
Trial design
Design model
Other
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Treatments tested in this trial
Not listed
Trial groups
272 Participants
are grouped into 1 trial groupGroup A: The quantitative study population will include married women aged 18-49 with confirmed MS
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Motherhood/Pregnancy Choice and Worries Questionnaire (MPWQ) score
The Motherhood/Pregnancy Choice and Worries Questionnaire (MPWQ) will be used to assess women's experiences, choices, and worries related to motherhood and pregnancy in the context of multiple sclerosis, including concerns about pregnancy, motherhood, fertility, breastfeeding, childcare, and the potential effects of MS on reproductive decisions. The outcome will be reported as the total MPWQ score according to the scoring instructions of the instrument. The minimum and maximum possible scores and the direction of interpretation will be reported according to the validated version used in this study.
Time frame
At baseline (during the study interview)2
Reproductive Concerns Scale score
The Reproductive Concerns Scale will be used to assess reproductive concerns related to multiple sclerosis, including concerns about fertility, pregnancy, maternal and fetal health, disease-related risks, treatment-related reproductive issues, and future reproductive plans. The outcome will be reported as the total Reproductive Concerns Scale score according to the scoring instructions of the instrument. The minimum and maximum possible scores and the direction of interpretation will be reported according to the validated version used in this study.
Time frame
At baseline (during the study interview)Locations
Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options: