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Multiple sclerosis diagnosis delay and its associated factors among Iranian patients
Farzaneh Mobasheri1, Abbas Rahimi Jaberi2, Jafar Hasanzadeh3
1Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of medical science, Shiraz, Iran.
Objective:
A long diagnostic delay in multiple sclerosis (MS) reduces the chance of early access to disease modifying therapies with potential to impact on disease trajectory. The aims of this study were to determine the delay in diagnosis of MS and its associated factors in Iran.
Methods:
Our study was conducted on 536 MS patients who were selected from Multiple sclerosis registry database and neurology clinics in southern part of Iran. Data were collected via a face-to-face interview administered questionnaire. A multiple linear regression model was used to control for the effect of potential confounding factors on the delay of MS diagnosis.
Results:
The mean of diagnostic delay was 7.0 months. Single patients were diagnosed on average 1.33 months later compared with those who were married (P = 0.007). Those who were registered with a family physician reported an average of 1.42 months longer delay in diagnosis than others (P = 0.004). For each year of older age at diagnosis, the delay was 1.04 months longer (P < 0.001). On the other hand, those who had migraine were diagnosed 1.58 months earlier than others (P < 0.001). Participants with a vision problem as the initial symptom were diagnosed 1.48 months earlier than those with sensory symptoms (P < 0.001), and 1.28 months earlier than those with headache/dizziness (P = 0.093). It was also suggested that the diagnostic delay was shortened over the study period (on average 1.06 months per year, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Easy access to a neurologist, raising health literacy in the general population, and improving the family physicians' alertness about MS symptoms can shorten the delay of MS diagnosis.
Insights
Diagnostic delays in multiple sclerosis (MS) were examined in Iran. Factors like marital status, family physician registration, and age influenced diagnosis time, while certain symptoms shortened it, indicating areas for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Delayed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) hinders timely access to disease-modifying therapies, potentially altering disease progression.
- Understanding diagnostic delays and their contributing factors in specific populations, such as Iran, is crucial for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the duration of diagnostic delay for multiple sclerosis (MS) in Iran.
- To identify factors associated with the delay in diagnosing MS within the Iranian population.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 536 MS patients from southern Iran, utilizing data from a registry and neurology clinics.
- Data collection through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire.
- Statistical analysis using a multiple linear regression model to identify factors influencing diagnostic delay.
Main Results:
- The average diagnostic delay for MS was 7.0 months.
- Factors associated with longer delays included being single, registered with a family physician, and older age at diagnosis.
- Migraine as a symptom and vision problems as an initial symptom were associated with shorter diagnostic delays. A trend towards reduced diagnostic delay over the study period was observed.
Conclusions:
- Improving health literacy and enhancing the awareness of family physicians regarding MS symptoms can help reduce diagnostic delays.
- Facilitating easier access to neurologists is recommended to shorten the time to diagnosis for MS patients.
