Adherence to first-line disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis in kuwait

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
• Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) are crucial for managing MS.
• Patient adherence to long-term DMTs is vital for treatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the rate of nonadherence to DMTs among MS patients in Kuwait.
• To identify the primary reasons for patient discontinuation of long-term MS therapy.
• To inform strategies for improving treatment adherence in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study utilizing a newly established MS registry.
• Data collected on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and disability (EDSS).
• Analysis of continuation or discontinuation of first-line DMTs and reasons for nonadherence.

Main Results:

• 40.1% of 212 eligible MS patients were nonadherent to first-line DMTs.
• Inconvenience (32.9%) and perceived lack of efficacy (25.9%) were the leading reasons for nonadherence.
• Nonadherent patients often had shorter disease duration and lower EDSS scores.

Conclusions:

• A high rate of nonadherence to DMTs exists among MS patients in Kuwait.
• Addressing inconvenience and perceived efficacy is key to improving adherence.
• Enhanced patient education and provider communication are recommended to improve long-term therapy adherence.